Delhi's Day Temperature Reaches 40°C, IMD Predicts 'Double Heatwave' Days This Summer

The last time Delhi registered such high temperatures during the month was on March 29, 2022, when the maximum temperature settled at 39.1 degrees Celsius.

In 2024, India recorded an alarming 554 heatwave days, making it the hottest year.

Source : PTI

Delhiites experienced sweltering heat on Wednesday, with the maximum temperature reaching 40 degrees Celsius already. As per India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, the last time Delhi registered such high temperatures during the month was on March 29, 2022, when the maximum temperature settled at 39.1 degrees Celsius.

As per IMD, maximum temperature in Delhi rose to 40.5°C yesterday (26/03/25) pic.twitter.com/R4T7URZAN2

— ANI (@ANI) March 27, 2025

Last year, the highest temperature in March was recorded on March 29 at 37.8 degrees Celsius. The previous year, the hottest day of the month was March 15, recording a maximum temperature of 34.3 degrees Celsius.

On Wednesday, humidity levels fluctuated between 19 per cent and 52 per cent during the day. The minimum temperature settled at 17.7 degrees Celsius.

Delhi and surrounding areas are expected to warm up by 1-2 degrees Celsius. Northwesterly winds from Rajasthan may bring a sharp 3-4 degree drop in temperatures for some days.

IMD Warns Of A Hotter Summer

Meanwhile, the weather department has predicted nearly double the usual number of heatwave days in Northwest India this summer. The region, which sees five to six heatwave days in a season, may now face 10 to 12, IMD scientist Soma Sen Roy told the ANI.

"We are expecting slightly above-normal heatwave conditions, especially over West and Central India. Generally, Northwest India sees around 5 to 6 heatwave days. This year, we expect 10 to 12 days, which is double the normal," Roy said. However, she added that this does not imply that all days will be hotter than usual.

In 2024, India recorded an alarming 554 heatwave days, making it the hottest year.

A heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature in the plains reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius or rises five degrees above normal.