Delhi experienced an unseasonably warm February, with temperatures soaring to 32 degrees Celsius on February 26, 2025, the highest recorded this season, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This uncharacteristic heat marked one of the most elevated February temperatures seen since 2006. The warmth, which was six degrees above the seasonal average, caught the attention of residents who were accustomed to milder February days.
The IMD has indicated through its extensive data collection—dating back to 1901—that such high temperatures at the tail end of February are not entirely unique. For example, previously recorded highs include 33.6 degrees Celsius on February 20, 2023, which represented the third highest temperature ever noted for the month. Similar spikes occurred over the years, such as 34.1 degrees Celsius recorded on February 2006, which puts the current readings firmly within the historical average of warm February days.
But as residents adjusted to the heat, forecasters warned of rapid changes. The IMD forecasted light rain and thunderstorms to hit Delhi just one day after the season’s warmest day. By Thursday, February 27, temperatures were projected to drop to between 25 and 26 degrees Celsius, with rain and thunderstorms expected to bring some cooling relief. The minimum temperature was expected to reach around 18 degrees Celsius, offering the city’s populace some respite from the unusual warmth.
With the arrival of precipitation, not just temperatures were affected but also air quality. Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) remained poor, even as cooler days provided some hope for improvement. Reports indicated AQI readings peaking at 500, categorized as Hazardous. Such levels of pollution trigger health advisories, urging sensitive groups to limit outdoor activities—a stark reminder of the city's persistent air quality challenges.
The IMD attributed the sudden shift in weather to an active western disturbance originating over North Pakistan and neighboring areas of India. This weather phenomenon typically brings variable weather patterns, and the IMD reported expectations of snowfall and thunderstorms across various northern regions, adding to the unpredictability of the weather.
Residents should remain alert, advised meteorologists, as the forecast suggests continued unstable conditions—particularly as cooler spells are expected to linger through early March, with temperatures hovering around 25 degrees Celsius and dropping as low as 13 degrees Celsius at night.
While some welcomed the rain as beneficial for lessening airborne pollutants, challenges remain amid fluctuated weather. Health experts and officials closely monitor the situation to provide timely advice for the public, particularly concerning the hazardous air conditions. The IMD highlighted the importance of staying informed about changes and recommendations on protecting oneself from both the heat and pollution alike.
An exciting note moving forward is the combination of weather changes paired with the potential for precipitation-related coolness. By March 1 and 2, highs are expected from 25 to 28 degrees Celsius, but temperatures may slightly rise again afterwards. The unpredictability of Delhi's weather serves as both a reminder of the environmental changes being faced globally and the very local realities of life for the citizens of this sprawling metropolis.
Residents are continuously reminded to monitor weather forecasts and advisories regularly. The unseasonably warm weather and subsequent rains remind them of the city’s diverse climate patterns and their own adaptability to such changes.