The mercury has soared beyond seasonal averages across northern India, with Delhi witnessing one of its hottest early March days in the last half-century. The national capital hit 35.6°C, a shocking 7.2 degrees above the norm.
In Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, ‘severe heat waves’ were reported, with Himachal’s Shimla Met office issuing a yellow warning for the upcoming week. Srinagar experienced temperatures nearly 10 degrees above average.
A fresh western disturbance is expected to hit next week, bringing rain and potential snowfall. Farmers have been advised to pause agricultural activities as temperatures are forecasted to drop significantly from March 9-12.
(With inputs from agencies.)