Delhi experienced exceptionally high temperatures throughout February 2025, culminating with the hottest day recorded on February 26, when the mercury soared to 32.4°C. This temperature was significantly above the seasonal average, not only marking it as the warmest day of the month, but the hottest February day witnessed over the past two years, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported.
The warm weather was attributed to southerly winds driving moisture and heat across the region, resulting in temperatures peaking well above the norm. On February 26, the maximum recorded temperature was six degrees higher than the expected norm for this time of year, with minimum temperatures settling at 15.4°C, also above average. This unusual warmth was part of broader weather patterns, with temperatures drafted to remain elevated due to western disturbances affecting the region.
By February 27, the warm spell continued, matching the February 2023 record of 32°C. This marked double the temperature anomalies seen last year, where February did not experience temperatures climbing past 30°C. The last significant high was recorded back on February 22, 2006. Residents of Delhi noted the stark shift from last year’s milder February, with only 29.7°C being the peak temperature observed for the same month.
Despite the warm temperatures, the humidity fluctuated significantly throughout the period, with levels recorded between 86% and 59%. Unfortunately, this rise also impacted air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hanging steadily around the 'poor' category, reaching 247 on February 26. An AQI reading above 200 suggests unhealthy air conditions for sensitive groups, underscoring the need for precautions.
Yet, the weather was set to change, as the IMD warned of possible rain showers arriving due to impending thunderstorms set for February 28 and the following day. The forecast predicted maximum and minimum temperatures would drop to 26°C and 18°C, respectively. These rains, spurred by the active western disturbances, would likely bring some relief to residents enduring the heat.
Light rain was expected over the latter days of February, with some forecasts indicating sporadic thunderstorms and rainfall across several areas of Delhi and adjoining NCR regions, including Gurugram and Noida. The Met Office expressed optimism for reduced maximum temperatures, which were anticipated to hover between 23-27°C following the rains.
“The warmer than normal minimum temperature will remain up to February 28,” according to RK Jenamani, IMD senior scientist, pointing to the broader climatic shifts currently occurring.
This year's February marked not just warmer days than typical but led to fluctuations and instability within the air quality too, something the residents would need to keep monitoring as the rainfall settled and air conditions potentially improved post-storm.
Overall, this odd weather pattern serves as yet another sign of changing climates and its immediate impacts. The upcoming rain might be more than just much needed relief; it could signal the start of shifts within local meteorological patterns worthy of observing. With weather predictions being closely monitored, the residents of Delhi face the question: what exactly do these shifts mean for their climate future?