The country’s capital is going through a summer break from what’s normally our spring season. Delhi’s Safdarjung observatory logged temperatures above 35°C for the first week of March for the first time in over a decade, with current forecasts noting temperatures could reach as high as 37°C or even 38°C by mid-week.
The Heat Record
The city of Delhi hit a record high at 35.7°C (almost 7.3°C above the seasonal average) on Saturday, March 7. This continues during the week with night temperatures also staying well above the mean (reaching 19°C).
Why Is Delhi So Hot Early This Year?
A meteorologist cites a “perfect storm” of atmospheric conditions that drives this unseasonal heat:
- Lack of active Western Disturbances: Most of the times, Western Disturbances tend to get rainfall as well as cool winds in February and March in North India. In the absence of an active system this year, skies are clear and the sun can bake the surface directly.
- A Dry Winter at Home: February 2023 was among its driest in history. With a very low level of soil moisture to evaporate, the sun’s energy is funneling directly into heating the ground and the air.
- Anticyclonic Circulation: High-pressure systems across North-Western India are becoming a sort of “heat dome,” holding warm air in and barring cold winds from flowing into the plains.
- Climate Change Baseline: The last decade has been the hottest on record, according to IMD. Now, each seasonal heat spike runs with a higher “baseline” temperature, making 35°C–37°C the new normal for early March.
Is Relief in Sight?
There is a glimmer of hope. A weak Western Disturbance shall affect the Himalayan region after March 11. Although it will not be very rainy in Delhi, it is anticipated to add clouds and a small reduction in mercury which may keep the temperature on track to be back to 34°C–35°C at the weekend.
Health and Agriculture Issues
That sudden heat is a big concern for Rabi (winter) crops, particularly wheat: That plant at the grain filling stage, where they are in most drought cases. Too much heat could cause the grains to contract or shrivel, which would hurt production or losses. Authorities have reportedly told residents to stay hydrated, too because the “feels-like” temperature is worsened by bad air and stagnant winds.
