Delhi Experiences Hottest February Day in Three Years as Temperatures Soar
New Delhi witnessed a significant temperature spike on Saturday, with the mercury climbing to 32.5 degrees Celsius. This reading was a substantial six degrees above the normal range for this time of year, officially marking it as the hottest February day recorded in the capital over the past three years.
Temperature Trends and Historical Data
The previous day, Friday, had already seen elevated temperatures at 31.9 degrees Celsius, setting the stage for Saturday's peak. According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the highest maximum temperatures recorded in February over recent years were:
- 2025: 32.4 degrees Celsius
- 2024: 29.7 degrees Celsius
- 2023: 33.6 degrees Celsius
This places Saturday's temperature as the second-highest in this three-year period, just below the 2023 record.
Meteorological Explanation for the Heat
Meteorological officials have attributed this unusual warmth to consistent clear skies throughout February. "As no active western disturbance impacted the region during February, the city continuously recorded clear skies, leading to maximum hours of sunshine," explained a Met official. This lack of cloud cover has allowed solar radiation to directly heat the surface, driving temperatures upward.
Detailed Forecast and Upcoming Predictions
The IMD has issued a forecast indicating that this warming trend is likely to continue. For Sunday and Monday, maximum temperatures are expected to remain between 31 and 33 degrees Celsius. However, a further increase is anticipated:
- Tuesday: Temperatures may rise to around 34 degrees Celsius
- Wednesday (Holi, February 4): The mercury could potentially touch 35 degrees Celsius
In addition to the heat, strong surface winds with speeds of 15-25 kmph are likely to prevail in the city from Sunday through Tuesday, which may provide some temporary relief but also contribute to dust and dryness.
Minimum Temperature Observations
The minimum temperature on Saturday settled at 16.4 degrees Celsius, which is four notches above the normal range. This represents a significant increase from the previous day's minimum of 13.1 degrees Celsius. Looking ahead, minimum temperatures are expected to remain between 14 and 16 degrees Celsius on Sunday, potentially rising to around 16-18 degrees Celsius by March 5.
This unusual February warmth serves as a reminder of changing weather patterns and the importance of staying informed about meteorological developments, especially with the Holi festival approaching when many residents will be celebrating outdoors.
