Delhi Heatwave Alert: Scorching 40.1°C Sets New Record – Extreme Weather Ahead!

Delhi recorded its hottest day of the year on Wednesday, with the Ridge area hitting a scorching 40.1°C, while other parts of the city hovered close to the 40-degree mark. Safdarjung, the official weather station, logged 38.9°C—7.4 degrees above normal—making it the hottest day of the season. Palam and Lodhi Road weren’t far behind, with maximum temperatures of 38°C and 38.7°C, respectively. Night temperatures also remained high, with Ridge recording 24.5°C, Palam at 20°C, and Safdarjung slightly cooler at 17.7°C.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast clear skies and strong winds for Thursday, with temperatures expected to stay around 38°C. A slight dip in heat is predicted from March 28, offering some relief. This heatwave follows Tuesday’s record of 37.1°C, which was the season’s highest until now. With summer arriving early and temperatures soaring, Delhiites should prepare for more extreme heat in the coming days.

Delhi Heatwave Alert: Scorching 40.1°C Sets New Record – Extreme Weather Ahead!

Delhi residents endured blistering heat on Wednesday as temperatures soared to their highest levels this year. The Ridge area, a key weather monitoring zone, recorded a staggering 40.1°C, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Several neighborhoods across the city neared the 40°C mark, signaling an unusually harsh start to summer.

Safdarjung, Delhi’s primary weather station, recorded a peak of 38.9°C—a sharp 7.4°C above the seasonal average and the highest temperature so far this year. Other parts of the city, including Palam and Lodhi Road, weren’t far behind, with temperatures reaching 38°C and 38.7°C, respectively. Most regions baked under conditions 6–9°C hotter than normal, making Wednesday one of the most extreme March days in recent memory.

Nights Offer Little Respite

Even after sunset, the city struggled to cool down. Safdarjung’s nighttime temperature settled at 17.7°C, slightly above the usual level. The Ridge area, however, endured a particularly warm low of 24.5°C, while Palam and Lodhi Road recorded minimums of 20°C and 17°C, respectively. These elevated nighttime temperatures added to the discomfort, leaving many residents with little relief from the relentless heat.

What’s Ahead?

The IMD forecasts clear skies and gusty winds on Thursday, with daytime temperatures expected to hover around 38°C and nighttime lows near 19°C. While the heat remains intense, a slight dip in temperatures is expected from Friday (March 28), offering some relief. However, temperatures are likely to stay above seasonal averages.

Wednesday’s scorching heat surpassed the record set just a day earlier when Delhi logged 37.1°C, marking the previous seasonal high. On Tuesday, the Ridge area had already hit 38.7°C, nearly 5°C above normal. These back-to-back spikes highlight an alarming trend of early-summer heatwaves gripping the capital.

Early Summer Sparks Concerns

Meteorologists note that Delhi’s summer is arriving sooner and with greater intensity than usual. The steady rise in temperatures—far beyond typical March averages—has raised concerns about prolonged heatwaves in the coming months. Such conditions not only disrupt daily life but also pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and outdoor workers.

Authorities are advising residents to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM), and use protective gear like hats and sunscreen. Power grids may also come under strain as air conditioning use increases, prompting calls for energy conservation.

A Look at the Bigger Picture

Delhi’s heatwave is part of a larger climate pattern affecting India, where rising temperatures and shifting weather conditions are becoming more frequent. Experts attribute these changes to a mix of global warming, urbanization, and deforestation, all of which intensify the “heat island” effect in cities. Reduced green cover and excessive concrete trap heat, preventing natural cooling and worsening urban temperatures.

While short-term forecasts predict a slight reprieve, long-term projections indicate that extreme weather events like this could become the norm. This underscores the urgent need for adaptive measures, such as expanding green spaces, improving water supply systems, and implementing heat action plans to safeguard public health.

For now, Delhiites must brace for more sweltering days ahead. With temperatures already touching 40°C in March, the coming months could test the city’s resilience like never before. As the IMD continues to monitor the situation, the focus remains on preparedness and public awareness to help mitigate the impact of this escalating climate challenge.

In Summary

• Delhi’s Ridge area hit 40.1°C on Wednesday, marking 2025’s hottest day yet.
• Safdarjung, Palam, and Lodhi Road also saw temperatures soar 6–9°C above normal.
• Nights provided little relief, with some areas staying above 24°C.
• A slight cooldown is expected from Friday, but above-normal heat will persist.
• Early and intense summer conditions could lead to health and infrastructure challenges.

As Delhi battles this heatwave, staying informed and taking preventive measures will be key to enduring the scorching days ahead.