Delhi Sizzles at 40.5°C: Hottest Day of 2025 Sparks Heatwave Concerns Across North India

Delhi woke up to blistering heat on March 26, 2025, as the mercury soared to 40.5 degrees Celsius, marking the hottest day of the year so far, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The national capital shattered temperature records, with the Ridge observatory clocking 40 degrees Celsius—6.3 degrees above the seasonal average. As humidity swung between 19% and 52%, the IMD issued warnings of an intense heatwave season ahead, predicting nearly double the usual heatwave days in Northwest India. With summer just beginning, experts are sounding the alarm over rising temperatures and their potential impact.

Record-Breaking Heat Grips Delhi

The scorching 40.5°C on Wednesday eclipsed Tuesday’s high of 37.1°C, making it the most sweltering day Delhi has seen this year. Data from the IMD reveals that this March heat is unprecedented in recent years. In 2024, the highest temperature for the month was 37.8°C, recorded on March 29, while 2023 saw a relatively cooler peak of 34.3°C on March 15. The last time Delhi endured such intense March heat was in 2022, when the mercury hit 39.1°C on March 29.

Wednesday’s minimum temperature settled at 17.7°C, offering little respite to residents. The IMD noted that humidity levels fluctuated widely, adding to the discomfort. “This spike is significant and signals an early onset of extreme weather,” an IMD official remarked.

ALSO READ | Above-Normal Temp and Heatwaves Set to Scorch India This Summer : IMD

Heatwave Warning: Northwest India Braces for a Scorching Summer

The IMD has forecast a troubling summer for Northwest India, predicting 10 to 12 heatwave days—double the typical 5 to 6 days seen in a season. Soma Sen Roy, a senior IMD scientist, explained, “We expect slightly above-normal heatwave conditions, particularly over West and Central India. This is a seasonal outlook, not a daily prediction, but it’s a clear deviation from the norm.”

While Roy refrained from comparing 2025 to 2024—India’s hottest year on record with 554 heatwave days—the forecast has raised concerns among meteorologists and residents alike. The early heat in Delhi, coupled with this outlook, suggests that the region could face prolonged periods of extreme weather in the coming months.

What’s Driving the Heat?

Experts attribute the rising temperatures to a combination of factors, including climate change, urban heat island effects, and shifting weather patterns. Delhi’s concrete sprawl and dwindling green cover amplify heat retention, pushing temperatures higher. “March is typically a transition month, but these readings are more akin to peak summer,” said a climate researcher from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The IMD’s data aligns with global trends of warming climates. However, officials stress that short-term forecasts should not be conflated with long-term climate predictions. “We’re monitoring the situation closely,” Roy added.

How Delhi Compares to Previous Years

Here’s a quick look at Delhi’s March temperature highs over the past few years:

• 2025: 40.5°C (March 26)
• 2024: 37.8°C (March 29)
• 2023: 34.3°C (March 15)
• 2022: 39.1°C (March 29)

This year’s early peak stands out, hinting at a hotter-than-usual summer ahead.

Impact on Daily Life

The soaring temperatures have already disrupted daily routines in Delhi. Outdoor workers, schoolchildren, and the elderly are bearing the brunt, with reports of heat exhaustion trickling in. “It’s unbearable by noon,” said Rajesh Kumar, a street vendor in Chandni Chowk. “We need more water stations and shade.”

Authorities have urged residents to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, and watch for signs of heatstroke. Meanwhile, the forecast of extended heatwave days has sparked discussions on urban planning and climate resilience.

While the IMD’s warning paints a grim picture, some experts caution against overreaction. “Heatwaves are part of India’s summer climate. What’s critical is how we adapt,” said Dr. Anil Gupta, a disaster management expert. He emphasized the need for better infrastructure, such as cooling centers and green spaces, rather than panic.

On the flip side, environmentalists argue that ignoring these early warning signs could prove costly. “This isn’t just a blip—it’s a trend. We’re seeing hotter years, earlier summers, and longer heatwaves,” a Delhi-based activist noted.

What Lies Ahead?

As March draws to a close, all eyes are on the IMD’s updates. Will Delhi see relief soon, or is this the start of an unrelenting summer? For now, residents are advised to brace for warmer days, with the weather department promising regular updates.

The heatwave forecast for Northwest India serves as a wake-up call, urging policymakers, scientists, and citizens to address the growing challenge of extreme weather. As temperatures climb, so does the need for sustainable solutions.