Delhi Experiences Unseasonal Heatwave as Mercury Crosses 30°C Mark
New Delhi witnessed a significant early summer surge on Monday as temperatures soared above 30 degrees Celsius for the first time this season, marking the earliest such occurrence in the past five years. The maximum temperature was recorded at a notable 31.6 degrees Celsius, which stands seven degrees above the normal seasonal average for this time of year.
Historical Temperature Context and Recent Trends
This early heat spike represents a departure from recent patterns. Previously, the temperature had breached the 30-degree mark on February 11, 2021, when it reached 30.4 degrees Celsius. In February 2025, this threshold was only crossed during the final week of the month. The current reading of 31.6 degrees Celsius therefore establishes a new early-season benchmark for the capital region.
IMD data reveals that February temperatures have shown considerable variability in recent years. The highest maximum temperatures recorded in previous Februaries include 32.4 degrees Celsius on February 26 last year, 29.7 degrees Celsius in February 2024, 33.7 degrees Celsius in February 2023, 28.4 degrees Celsius in February 2022, and 33.2 degrees Celsius in February 2021.
Regional Temperature Variations Across Delhi
The temperature increase was particularly pronounced at specific monitoring stations. At Safdarjung, which serves as the city's primary base weather station, the mercury climbed from 28.5 degrees Celsius on Sunday to 31.6 degrees Celsius on Monday. Meanwhile, Ayanagar in southwest Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 30.4 degrees Celsius, also seven degrees above normal.
Other areas showed slightly lower but still elevated readings. Lodhi Road recorded a day temperature of 29.2 degrees Celsius, while Ridge in north Delhi reached 28.4 degrees Celsius. Both measurements remained approximately five degrees higher than typical seasonal expectations.
Weather Forecast and Meteorological Explanations
According to Krishna Mishra, a scientist with the India Meteorological Department, the temperature rise can be attributed to clear skies and the absence of significant rainfall activity. However, weather patterns are expected to shift in the coming days.
The IMD has issued specific forecasts for the immediate future:
- Tuesday: Temperatures are predicted to remain between 29 and 31 degrees Celsius, with partly cloudy skies potentially causing a marginal temperature dip due to the influence of a western disturbance.
- Wednesday: A yellow alert has been issued for spells of light to very light rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph. The mercury is expected to drop to approximately 26-28 degrees Celsius.
- Thursday and Beyond: Temperatures may continue in the 26-28 degrees Celsius range on Thursday before beginning to rise again from Friday as the western disturbance's influence diminishes. Maximum temperatures are predicted to reach 28-30 degrees Celsius by February 22.
Minimum Temperatures and Air Quality Concerns
While daytime temperatures soared, the minimum temperature was recorded at 10.1 degrees Celsius, one degree below normal. This is expected to rise to 12-14 degrees Celsius starting Tuesday.
Concurrently, Delhi's air quality remained in the 'poor' category with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 261. Meteorological officials anticipate air quality will remain within this range through Tuesday.
Broader Climate Context and Seasonal Transition
This temperature development signals that winter conditions are nearly concluded in the capital region. The city has predominantly recorded above-normal temperatures since the beginning of February, indicating an accelerated transition toward summer conditions.
The early arrival of such warm temperatures raises questions about broader climate patterns and seasonal shifts, though meteorologists attribute the immediate conditions to specific weather systems rather than long-term trends.
