Residents of Delhi experienced an unusually warm start to the day on Friday as temperatures continued to climb in the national capital. With clear skies and rising daytime heat, the city recorded its hottest day of the season so far, signalling an early intensification of summer-like conditions.

Temperatures rise above seasonal average

According to the India Meteorological Department, the minimum temperature on Friday settled at 17C, which was 3.6C above the seasonal average. As the day progressed, the maximum temperature climbed to 34.4C, making it the warmest day recorded in the capital so far this season.

Weather officials said the warm conditions are expected to persist. For Saturday, the maximum temperature is likely to hover around 34C, with forecasts indicating mainly clear skies across the city. The rise in temperatures comes amid a broader warming trend seen during the first week of March. Data shows that during the first five days of the month, Delhi recorded its highest average minimum temperature in three years. Even on Thursday, the capital had experienced the season’s warmest day at the time, with a minimum temperature of 18.2C and a maximum of 34.3C.

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Air quality remains in ‘moderate’ category

Despite the rising heat, air pollution levels remained relatively stable. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 151, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category.

Station-wise observations highlighted above-normal night temperatures across several parts of the city. The Palam weather station recorded a minimum temperature of 17.5C, which was 4.9C above normal. Lodhi Road reported 16.3C, 4.3C above the seasonal average, while Ridge logged 17.8C, 3.7C above normal.

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With temperatures already crossing the mid-30C mark in early March, residents of Delhi may be bracing for warmer days ahead. The current pattern of clear skies and above-normal temperatures could continue in the coming days, even as air quality remains within the moderate range.