Noida, March 12: As March begins, the heat has started to make its presence felt in the Delhi NCR region. According to the meteorological department, Thursday is expected to be the hottest day of the year so far, with maximum temperatures likely to exceed 36 degrees Celsius.
On Wednesday, the region recorded its hottest day of the year, with temperatures rising above 34 degrees Celsius. The Indian Meteorological Department forecasts a maximum temperature of 36 degrees and a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius for March 12. The weather is expected to remain clear, with no weather-related warnings issued. On March 13, the maximum temperature is predicted to be 34 degrees and the minimum 17 degrees Celsius.
Temperatures are expected to remain at similar levels on March 14. With clear skies, the intense sunlight during the day may exacerbate the heat. Alongside the rising temperatures, air pollution levels in several areas of NCR are also on the rise. Data from monitoring stations linked to the Central Pollution Control Board indicates that the Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached poor and very poor categories in many locations.
Pollution levels in various areas of Delhi remain concerning. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 312, falling into the poor category. Other areas such as Alipur, Bawana, Chandni Chowk, and Burari Crossing recorded AQIs of 259, 251, 243, and 204, respectively. Additionally, Ashok Vihar and the Cantonment area recorded AQIs of 207, while the Commonwealth Sports Complex had an AQI of 199 and CRRI Mathura Road recorded 197.
Noida and Greater Noida are also facing similar pollution challenges. Sector 125 in Noida recorded an AQI of 266, while Sector 1 and Sector 116 recorded 223 and 227, respectively. Sector 62 fared slightly better with an AQI of 188. In Greater Noida, Knowledge Park-III recorded an AQI of 234, and Knowledge Park-V reached 332, nearing the very poor category.
Ghaziabad is also showing signs of pollution impact, with Loni recording an AQI of 328, indicating severe levels. Indirapuram, Sanjay Nagar, and Vasundhara recorded AQIs of 209, 213, and 216, respectively.
Experts suggest that rising temperatures and reduced wind speeds allow pollutants to linger in the atmosphere longer, deteriorating air quality. Despite clear weather, the presence of dust and pollution particles in the air continues to pose challenges for residents.
Doctors and environmental experts advise that children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues should avoid prolonged outdoor exposure. Wearing masks and limiting outdoor activities during morning and evening hours are recommended for better health. Currently, the people of NCR are grappling with the dual challenges of heat and pollution. With temperatures expected to rise further in the coming days, residents are urged to take precautions.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
