As a pronounced heat build-up is being witnessed, a large part of central and southern India is already in its grip, and it's a matter of time before many regions of the country witness a chain of 40-degree-Celsius days.

Why is India seeing snowfall, hailstorms and rain in March?

Cooling systems retreat, skies clear

A key factor behind the sudden rise in temperatures is the weakening presence of Western Disturbances over the Western Himalayas, according to reports. These systems typically moderate temperatures by bringing cloud cover, rainfall and cooler winds. Their reduced activity has left most of the country under cloudless skies, accelerating surface heating.

The impact is already visible. Akola in Maharashtra recorded a high of 42°C in the last 24 hours, offering an early glimpse of what lies ahead. Weather models indicate that maximum temperatures across northwest, central and eastern India could climb by another three to six degrees in the coming days.

Capital set for a sharper rise

Delhi, for now, remains within its seasonal range at around 35°C to 37°C. However, forecasts suggest that this respite will be short-lived, with temperatures likely to edge close to 40°C by April 15.

The broader warming trend is being reinforced by a heat dome, a high-pressure system that effectively caps the atmosphere, trapping hot air near the surface and seeing it intensify.

As weather patterns grow increasingly erratic, marked by rapid heating in some regions and heavy rain in others, close attention to official advisories will be essential in the weeks ahead.