February 2025 has been the hottest in India since 1901, with the average mean temperature reaching 22.04°C, according to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The month also recorded the second-highest maximum temperature at 29.07°C, nearly 1.5°C above normal. Experts attribute this extreme heat to climate change and the absence of western disturbances.
Unprecedented Heat and Rainfall Deficit
The IMD report highlights that February 2025 was not only abnormally warm but also among the driest in 125 years. The country received less than half of its usual rainfall, with an overall deficit of 59% during the winter season (January-February). Central India was hit hardest, recording an 89.3% rainfall deficit, while Northwest India saw a 64.4% shortfall. The cumulative rainfall of 50.2 mm made it the fifth-lowest February rainfall since 2001 and the 18th lowest since 1901.
The situation was most severe in Central India, where maximum temperatures rose by nearly 2°C above normal. IMD has warned of an above-normal number of heatwave days from March to May, affecting states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Telangana.
Climate Experts Call for Urgent Action
Former IMD director K J Ramesh emphasized that climate change is now unfolding with increasing intensity. He noted that the persistent rise in temperatures mirrors the trend of 2024, when every month recorded an anomaly of around 1.5°C. He criticized the lack of preparedness, such as rescheduling school exams to mitigate heat risks.
Climate policy expert Anjal Prakash warned that Indian cities, especially Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, are becoming more vulnerable to extreme heat due to rapid urbanization and insufficient infrastructure. He called for sustainable urban planning, increased green cover, and improved water management to counter rising temperatures.
Subimal Ghosh of IIT Mumbai highlighted that western disturbances, which usually bring winter rain, were largely absent this February, contributing to the extreme conditions. He stressed the need for better early warning systems to help communities prepare for unusually hot spells.
With IMD predicting intense heatwaves in the coming months, experts urge immediate policy action to address the growing climate crisis.