New Delhi: The national capital is witnessing an unusually warm start to March, with the maximum temperature reaching 34.4 degrees C on Friday, nearly seven degrees above normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This indicates that summer-like conditions have arrived earlier than usual across parts of northwest India.

Mercury rising steadily

The national capital recorded 34.3 degrees C on Thursday and 33.2 degrees C on Wednesday, showing a steady rise in daytime temperatures over the past few days. Weather scientists say the trend suggests that temperatures are climbing faster than normal for this time of the year.

The IMD has forecast that the maximum temperature will remain between 33 degrees C and 35 degrees C till Monday, with the possibility of it increasing further to around 36 degrees C by Tuesday if the warming trend continues.