Bengaluru, known for its usually pleasant climate, is experiencing some unusual weather patterns this February. On February 17, 2025, the city recorded staggering temperatures reaching 35.9 °C, marking one of the hottest days of the year, which even surpassed the 27 °C recorded across Delhi. This unexpected heat wave has pushed residents to adapt to conditions more akin to late summer rather than the cool beginnings of the year.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this surge can be primarily attributed to two significant factors. Firstly, the absence of northern winds, which typically keep temperatures moderate, has led to soaring heat levels. Secondly, the global weather phenomenon known as La Niña has also contributed to the rising temperatures by affecting ocean and atmospheric conditions. Experts have warned of consistently high temperatures for the weeks to come, which may turn February’s conventional cooler breezes and sunsets on their head.
On February 22, 2025, Bengaluru recorded temperatures around 29.06 °C, with minimum and maximum predictions set between 18.46 °C and 31.54 °C for the day. The relative humidity was reported at 39%, with wind speeds reaching 39 km/h. The city’s sky conditions have been described as cloudy, prompting authorities to advise the residents to plan their outdoor activities accordingly.
The city’s air quality index (AQI) was noted at 151.0, indicating moderate air quality, which poses potential risks to vulnerable populations including children and individuals with pre-existing respiratory issues. The IMD recommends limiting outdoor activities for those affected, indicating the relationship between pollution levels and health.
With predictions extending to several days beyond February 22, the IMD has indicated fluctuacious humidity levels and temperatures—a warning for residents to stay alert. Tomorrow, February 23 is expected to bring with it temperatures swinging between 18.79 °C and 31.91 °C. A mixture of sunny days is forecasted, interspersed with cloudy intervals, making it imperative for people to stay informed on the weather and air quality alerts.
Interestingly, this February’s temperatures are reported to be 2.7 °C warmer than those recorded last year, signaling potentially alarming climate shifts for the residents of Bengaluru. With evenings still retaining some cooler air at around 17 °C, residents might find slight relief as they cope with the increasingly high daytime temperatures.
The IMD warns of longer, hotter summers, and the possibility of increased electricity demand due to air conditioning and other cooling measures. The rising temperatures could also lead to water shortages—a concern for many. Meanwhile, there are discussions around the impact of this extreme weather on public health, urging both residents and officials to remain vigilant as the city adjusts to its new climate reality.
Residents have been encouraged to take health-conscious decisions, particularly when positioning outdoor activities due to the high temperatures and moderate air quality. The city’s heat management strategies through the IMD's alerts have become ever more necessary, as they aim to protect both health and wellbeing. The citizen response to adapt to the changing climate will play an important role as Bengaluru enters this new chapter of its weather patterns.
While Bengaluru’s breezy evenings may still provide respite, the expectation of heightened heat and altered weather dynamics has initiated discussions about the city’s long-term climate outlook. The experience of February 2025 may just be a glimpse of what the summer holds, alongside the growing discourse about climate action and adaptive measures necessary to secure environmental health.
With IMD warning of unpredictable weather shifts, including the effects of La Niña, residents will need to stay prepared as they navigate through the unpredictability of climate shifts affecting their daily patterns.