India Witnessed the Hottest February Since 1901, March May Also Follow Suit

The winter season of 2025 has drawn to a close, leaving behind a trail of unprecedented weather records. February 2025 has been recorded as the hottest February in India since 1901, with the average mean temperature soaring to 22.04 degrees Celsius, 1.34 degrees above normal. The mean maximum temperature reached 29.7 degrees, the highest in over a century, with a deviation of 1.49 degrees. Similarly, the all-time high minimum temperature for February stood at 15.02 degrees, 1.20 degrees above normal. These alarming figures highlight a significant shift in India’s winter climate patterns.

The country also faced a staggering 59% rain deficit during the winter season (January to February), exacerbating the dry and warm conditions. On February 27, Delhi’s Safdarjung Observatory recorded its highest minimum temperature in 74 years, at 19.5 degrees Celsius, since 1951. This unusual warmth can be attributed to the highest maximum temperature of 32.4 degrees recorded on February 26, coupled with overcast skies. The cloudy nights trapped the Earth’s released energy, creating a greenhouse effect that prevented temperatures from dropping significantly. This phenomenon led to the warmest morning on February 27.

While ongoing rain and snowfall in the Western Himalayas and scattered rain across northern plains have temporarily brought down temperatures in Northwest India, this relief is short-lived. From March 4 onwards, temperatures are expected to rise again, with March likely to follow February’s trend of above-normal warmth. This early warming of the atmosphere in Northern and Central India poses a significant threat to Rabi crops, particularly wheat. The rising temperatures can adversely impact crop yield and quality, raising concerns for farmers and agricultural committees.

The implications of such extreme weather are far-reaching. While warmer winters may seem pleasant, they disrupt ecosystems, agriculture, and water resources. The record-breaking temperatures of February 2025 serve as a stark reminder of the changing climate and its potential consequences. As March approaches, India must brace for another month of above-normal temperatures, underscoring the urgent need for adaptive measures to mitigate the impact on agriculture and livelihoods. The warming trend is a wake-up call for sustainable practices and climate resilience in the face of an increasingly unpredictable climate.