Delhi's Winter Season Fades Prematurely as Mercury Soars
New Delhi is witnessing an unusually early disappearance of winter this year, with daytime temperatures running significantly above normal throughout early February. Meteorologists confirm that the rest of the month will remain warmer than usual, marking a stark departure from typical seasonal patterns.
Temperature Data Reveals Consistent Warmth
According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), maximum temperatures have largely stayed elevated as winter conditions fade rapidly. Between February 1 and 15, the mercury dipped below 20°C only once—on February 2, when a weak western disturbance pushed temperatures down to 17.5°C.
The month's highest maximum temperature so far, 28.6°C, was recorded on February 10. Since that date, daytime temperatures have consistently remained above 25°C. On Sunday, the maximum settled at 28.5°C, which is four degrees above normal, compared with 27°C recorded the previous day.
Forecast Predicts Continued Above-Normal Temperatures
IMD forecasts indicate that maximum temperatures are likely to remain 1.6°C to 5°C above normal over the coming week. While a western disturbance is expected to influence parts of north India from February 17 and may trigger very light rain or drizzle in isolated pockets of Delhi on February 18, meteorologists emphasize this is unlikely to lead to any significant cooling effect.
"The maximum temperature has been staying three to six degrees above normal over Rajasthan, Punjab, Delhi, parts of Haryana and the Himalayan region," explained Krishna Mishra, an IMD scientist. "It may dip by one to three degrees under the influence of a western disturbance. In Delhi, the maximum may fall by one to two degrees on February 17–18, but it is likely to rise again from February 19. No major change in minimum temperature is expected."
Causes Behind the Early Warmth
Meteorologists attribute this premature warmth to the notable lack of active western disturbances during the current winter season. "No active western disturbance impacted the region in December, while the first three weeks of January were largely dry," Mishra noted. "Two active systems brought rain on January 23 and 27. However, no active western disturbance has affected Delhi in February so far."
Mishra added that temperatures in Delhi typically cross the 30°C mark by March 15, suggesting the current warmth aligns with an accelerated seasonal transition.
Night Temperatures Remain Stable
On Sunday, the minimum temperature was recorded at 11.1°C, which remains close to normal for this time of year. Night temperatures are expected to hover between 11°C and 15°C over the next week and are unlikely to dip below 10°C.
Winter Effectively Ending Early
Mahesh Palawat, vice-president of Skymet Meteorology, stated that winter is effectively concluding ahead of schedule. "No active western disturbance is expected in the region this month. The mercury is therefore expected to rise," he confirmed.
This early departure from winter conditions raises questions about changing climate patterns and their impact on seasonal weather in the national capital region.
