A fresh western disturbance is set to bring relief to Delhi and northwest India, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for light rain and gusty winds on Monday. The Capital is likely to see overcast skies and light rainfall, bringing the maximum temperature down to 30–32 degrees Celsius, a drop of around 4–5 degrees from Sunday’s heat. Similar conditions are expected on Tuesday, ensuring a cooler end to March, with minimum temperatures hovering between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius.
While the current system may weaken after Monday, another western disturbance around April 2 could bring very light rain on April 3 and 4, followed by another spell between April 6 and 9, keeping temperatures from rising sharply in the coming days.
Sunday Heat Spike Despite Rain Alert
Despite forecasts of rain, Delhi experienced a hot, sunny Sunday, with the maximum temperature rising to 36.2 degrees Celsius, four degrees above normal. This was just short of the season’s highest temperature of 36.8 degrees Celsius recorded earlier in March. The minimum temperature stood at 19.8 degrees Celsius, also above normal levels.
The rise in temperature followed a sharp warming trend over 48 hours. The maximum temperature increased from 32.6 degrees Celsius on Friday to 33.6 degrees Celsius on Saturday before reaching Sunday’s high. Clear skies and the absence of rainfall contributed to the rapid heating, even as surrounding regions saw some weather activity.
Western Disturbances To Shape Weather Across North India
The western disturbance active on Sunday brought rainfall to the Himalayan regions and parts of northern Punjab but largely bypassed Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Gusty winds were reported in parts of Rajasthan, while the Capital remained mostly clear.
However, a series of western disturbances is expected to influence weather patterns in the coming weeks. These systems are likely to bring intermittent cloud cover, light rain, and cooler conditions across northwest and central India. As a result, temperatures are expected to remain 2–5 degrees Celsius below normal levels at least until mid-April, reducing the likelihood of early heatwave conditions.
March Weather Was A Month Of Contrasts
March in Delhi witnessed two distinct phases. The first half of the month was marked by unusually high temperatures, with the maximum consistently staying above 30 degrees Celsius. The city recorded 30.7 degrees Celsius on March 1, which was five degrees above normal, and crossed 35 degrees Celsius as early as March 7, the earliest such occurrence in at least 15 years.
The temperature peaked at 36.8 degrees Celsius on March 11, significantly above seasonal averages. In contrast, the second half of March saw multiple western disturbances bring cloud cover and occasional rainfall, helping moderate temperatures for several days.
However, temperatures rose again toward the end of the month, culminating in Sunday’s spike. Overall, the maximum temperature exceeded 30 degrees Celsius on most days, with occasional readings above 35 degrees Celsius.
Delhi Temperature Records And AQI Outlook Remain In Focus
Historically, Delhi’s temperatures in late March can reach 38–39 degrees Celsius, occasionally rising to 40 degrees Celsius. The all-time high for the month remains 40.6 degrees Celsius, recorded on March 31, 1945. In recent years, the highest March temperature was 40.1 degrees Celsius in 2021, while 2022 recorded 39.6 degrees Celsius. Last year saw a peak of 38.9 degrees Celsius, while 2024 recorded 37.8 degrees Celsius.
Air quality in the Capital remained in the ‘moderate’ category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 198 on Sunday, rising from 154 the previous day. Forecasts indicate that AQI levels are likely to remain in the moderate range over the next several days.
With recurring western disturbances lined up through early April, Delhi is expected to experience relatively stable, comfortable weather, offering a temporary reprieve from the intensifying summer heat.
(With inputs from various sources)
FAQs
1. Will Delhi receive rain this week?
Yes, light rain and gusty winds are expected due to a western disturbance.
2. Is a heatwave expected in Delhi in early April?
No, current forecasts suggest that temperatures will remain below normal, delaying heatwave conditions.
3. What temperatures can Delhi expect?
Daytime temperatures are likely to stay around 30–32°C, with cooler nights.
4. What is causing the change in Delhi’s weather?
A series of western disturbances is bringing cloud cover, rain and cooler conditions.
5. How long will the cooler weather last?
The cooler spell is expected to continue at least until mid-April.
