Mercury levels rise abruptly in the national capital during March. With the retreat of winters, pre monsoon heat rev up, at times abruptly. Day temperatures scale to high 30’s quite often, more so in the last week of the month. Mean monthly maximum and minimum temperature stand at 29.6°C and 15.6°C, rise of nearly 5°C each, as compared to February. Biggest jump takes place in the month of April.
Base observatory Safdarjung recorded maximum temperature of 30.6°C yesterday, the 1st 30° of this season. Most other observatories in the city also breached 30°C mark, with the highest of 31.1°C at Najafgarh. Airport observatory at Palam also touched 30°C, first time this year. Rising trend is likely to be maintained for the next few days and drop again from next week onward. Passage of active western disturbance across the hills during next week will suppress the rising tendency and may slide thereafter.
Large fluctuations in timings are observed during change over from 20’s to 30’s. There are instances of exceeding 30°C as early as mid -Feb and on some other occasions, as late as beyond mid-march. Degree of heat also varies, specially during 2nd fortnight. Highest maximum temperature during March 2020 and 2021 were recorded at 33.3°C and 40.1°C, huge difference of 8°C. Diurnal variation shoots very high, at times in excess of 15°C. Rainy days become very few, generally not more than 2 during the month.
Earliest 30°C At Delhi ( 2013-2022)
Day temperature is expected to rise further possibly touching 33-34°C during next one week. Strong surface winds are expected on 10th and 11thMarch, suppressing the afternoon heat. Sky condition will cloudy tomorrow night with an outside chance of having fleeting sprinkle over some parts.