Key Highlights
- Temperature Surge: Maximum temperatures in Northwest India are expected to remain 3-5°C above normal throughout the first week of March.
- Delhi Forecast: The national capital will see clear skies, with daytime highs reaching 33°C, and strong surface winds.
- Heatwave Warning: Above-normal heatwave days are predicted for Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh from March to May.
- Himalayan Disturbance: A fresh Western Disturbance is expected to bring light rain or snowfall to Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand between March 4 and 6.
- Agricultural Outlook: Despite the heat, current conditions remain favorable for the wheat crop, ensuring stable yields if night temperatures stay cool.
As March 2026 begins, the India Meteorological Department has signaled an early transition into summer conditions. Following a notably warm February, most of the northwestern plains are bracing for a heat surge. Maximum temperatures are projected to climb by 4 to 5 degrees Celsius over the coming week, particularly affecting the states of Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. This warming trend is driven by a lack of significant cloud cover and the absence of moisture, carrying winds over the plains.
In the national capital, Delhi, NCR, the weather remains dry and sunny. Starting March 1st, residents will experience strong surface winds with speeds reaching up to 25 kmph during the afternoon. While the morning may see light mist, the daytime heat is expected to peak at 33°C, a significant departure from typical early March averages.
Intensifying Heat in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
The impact of the seasonal shift is already visible in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In UP, the cold has almost entirely retreated, replaced by dry, hot winds. The IMD predicts that wind speeds will range between 20,30 kmph through March 4th, further dehydrating the soil. Temperatures in these regions are set to rise by 2,4°C, pushing the mercury well above the 32°C mark in cities like Lucknow and Patna. Residents in Bihar have already begun transitioning to summer cooling measures, such as fans and air conditioners, as night temperatures also see a steady climb.
Western Disturbance and the Himalayan Outlook
While the plains swelter, the high-altitude regions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand continue to experience a lingering chill. However, even these regions are not immune to the warming trend, with current temperatures sitting 3,5°C above normal. A feeble Western Disturbance is expected to impact the Western Himalayan region starting the night of March 4th. This system is likely to trigger light to moderate snowfall in the higher reaches and scattered rainfall in the valleys, providing a brief, reprieve from the rising heat before the summer intensifies in mid, March.
Long-Term Summer Forecast and Public Health
The IMD’s seasonal outlook for March to May 2026 warns of a “harsh summer” for much of the country. States like West Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Central India are expected to see between 3 and 15 additional heatwave days compared to the long-period average.
The weather department has advised state authorities to activate heat action plans and ensure the readiness of cooling shelters. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and outdoor workers, are urged to stay hydrated and avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours, as the early onset of heat can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
