Delhi is on track to record its warmest March in four years, with temperatures hovering above normal levels even though the second half of the month has been cool. The average temperature recorded up until March 30 has been 32.5 degrees Celsius for the maximum temperature and 17.5 degrees Celsius for the minimum temperature. This puts Delhi in the same category as March 2022, when temperatures were similarly high.
The average minimum temperature, which is often considered a significant factor in temperature discomfort, has been 1.9 degrees Celsius above the long-period average of 15.6 degrees Celsius. Since 2011, temperatures have been this high only three times.
Rain and western disturbances bring relief
However, weather conditions have changed after mid-March with the arrival of successive western disturbances. "The first half of March has been dry with a rise in temperatures, and rainfall activity has commenced around March 15, providing some relief."
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On Monday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 35.1 degrees, three degrees above normal. However, overcast conditions later in the day resulted in light rain in parts of the city. While 0.5 mm rainfall was recorded at Safdarjung, slightly higher rainfall was recorded at other areas such as Lodhi Road and Rajghat. Gusty winds reaching 50 kmph were also recorded.
Light rain likely on March 31
The India Meteorological Department has predicted a cloudy sky on March 31, along with light rain or drizzle in some parts of Delhi NCR. Places such as New Delhi, northwest, west, south, and southeast Delhi can witness light rain, along with other areas such as Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, etc.
The temperatures will remain moderate on March 31, ranging from a maximum of 33 degrees Celsius to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius. No weather warnings have been issued.
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From April 1, the sky is expected to clear gradually, with temperatures rising slightly. It is expected that the maximum temperature on April 2 may vary between 35 degrees and 37 degrees. However, another western disturbance is expected to bring back cloudy skies with light rain on April 3 and 4.
Overall, the first week of April is expected to experience a mix of clouds, light rainfall, and occasional sunny spells, which will not allow the heat to rise substantially in the capital.
