Mercury on the rise: March marches toward the 40° mark

Indore: Indoreans can expect a steady rise in temperatures through March, with the mercury likely to approach 40 degrees Celsius by the end of the month. The regional meteorological department indicated that the city is entering a phase of sustained warming after a relatively mild end to Feb.According to the India Meteorological Department in Bhopal, the first week of March will see maximum temperature between 32 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius. The second week is expected to record 34 degrees Celsius to 36 degrees Celsius followed by 36 degrees Celsius to 38 degrees Celsius in the third week. By the final week, day temperature may hover around 40 degrees Celsius . Night temperature is forecast to remain normal to slightly above normal, while day readings are expected to stay above the seasonal average for most of the month.Meteorologist Arun Sharma from IMD Bhopal said that March will witness a gradual and consistent rise in temperatures. While the month is expected to remain largely dry, occasional light rainfall may occur due to western disturbances. Isolated thunderstorms, lightning, and brief spells of gusty winds are also possible during this period. The department assessed that the chances of heatwave conditions remain limited at present.March historically recorded sharp highs in the city. The highest temperature ever registered during the month was 41.1 degrees Celsius on March 28, 1892, a record that continues to stand. Over the past decade, the mercury crossed 40 degrees Celsius three times, including 40.6 degrees Celsius on March 30, 2017. In recent years, however, temperatures generally remained below 39 degrees Celsius. March also saw occasional rainfall activity, with 48.8 mm recorded in 2015, the highest for the month.Maximum temperature in city on Sunday stood at 32.3 degrees Celsius, while the minimum dropped to 11.3 degrees Celsius.