Chandigarh Swelters as Mercury Hits 33.1°C, Marking Hottest Day of 2025
The city of Chandigarh was gripped by intense heat on Thursday, recording its highest temperature of the year so far. The maximum temperature surged to a scorching 33.1 degrees Celsius, which is a significant 8 degrees above the normal seasonal average for this time of year.
Heatwave Intensifies Following Holi Celebrations
This sharp temperature spike comes just a day after Holi festivities on Wednesday, when the mercury crossed the 30°C mark for the first time in 2025, reaching 31.4°C. The rapid warming trend has caught many residents by surprise, signaling an early onset of summer-like conditions.
Extended Warm Spell Forecasted by Meteorological Department
According to the local Met department, this unusually warm weather pattern is not a fleeting phenomenon. Officials predict that the heatwave will persist for at least the next five days, with daytime temperatures expected to remain elevated between 33°C and 34°C.
Detailed Forecast for the Coming Days:
- Friday: Predicted to be mainly clear with continued high temperatures.
- Saturday to Tuesday: Partly cloudy skies are anticipated, but these conditions are unlikely to provide significant relief from the heat.
Night Temperatures Also Remain Above Normal
The thermal discomfort extends into the nighttime hours as well. On Thursday, the minimum temperature settled at 16.9°C, which is 4 degrees above the normal range. Forecasts indicate that night temperatures will continue to hover between 15°C and 16°C over the coming days, offering little respite from the daytime heat.
Historical Context: Not the Hottest March on Record
Despite the current heatwave, Thursday's maximum of 33.1°C remains below the highest March temperatures recorded in recent years. Historical data shows that Chandigarh experienced peaks of 35.1°C in both 2024 and 2025 during the month of March, indicating that while current conditions are unusually warm, they are not unprecedented for this time of year.
The combination of elevated daytime and nighttime temperatures, coupled with the forecasted persistence of this warm spell, suggests that residents should prepare for continued heat and take necessary precautions to stay cool and hydrated.
