New Delhi: The national capital is heading towards a warmer-than-usual February, with maximum temperatures steadily climbing and expected to touch the 30°C mark in the coming days. Weather experts say that despite the possibility of a weak western disturbance, a significant dip in temperature is unlikely.
Delhi’s maximum temperature on Sunday stood at 28.5°C four degrees above normal for mid-February. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the mercury may rise further to 29°C on Monday and Tuesday, edging closer to the 30°C threshold typically seen later in the month.
Data analysis of February 1–15 shows that the city recorded an average maximum temperature of 25°C, which is 1.9°C above the long-period average of 23.14°C. Out of the first 15 days of the month, 14 days witnessed above-normal daytime temperatures. The mercury dipped below 20°C only once during this period, while the highest maximum so far was 28.6°C on February 10.
According to IMD officials, the above-normal temperature trend is not limited to Delhi alone. Several parts of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and even the Himalayan region have experienced warmer conditions in recent days.
A feeble western disturbance is likely to bring isolated drizzle to parts of Delhi around Wednesday. However, forecasters say the impact will be minimal. “The possible drizzle may lead to only a marginal dip of 1–2°C, and the maximum temperature is expected to rise again after February 19,” said Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet.
Weather observers suggest early signs of summer are already emerging across parts of peninsular, central, and western India. Northwest India including Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh could see maximum temperatures around 30°C as early as February 16–17. In the absence of a strong western disturbance, above-normal temperatures are likely to persist through the rest of the month.
Historical data shows that Delhi’s maximum temperature often crosses 30°C towards the end of February. Last year, it touched 32.4°C on February 26. In 2023, the city recorded 33.6°C on February 21 levels more typical of mid-March.
Minimum temperatures, however, remain relatively stable for now. Delhi recorded a low of 11.1°C on Sunday, close to normal for this time of year. Night temperatures are expected to hover between 11°C and 13°C during the week, possibly rising to 15°C midweek, keeping evenings comparatively mild.
With daytime temperatures rising steadily and no strong weather system expected to intervene, residents may need to brace for an early taste of summer before February draws to a close.