Delhi Breach 30 Degree Mark: Records Highest Temperature Of The Season; Light Rain Likely
Key Takeaways:
- Delhi records 31.6°C, the highest and earliest spike in five years for February.
- Temperature likely to touch 32°C before rain activity begins.
- Rain spells expected on 18 February, bringing a temporary dip in day temperature.
- Clear skies from 19 February to set the stage for a warm weekend.
Heat has begun catching up early in the season for Delhi. Day temperatures have started soaring. The base station at Safdarjung, the repository of records for Delhi, clocked a maximum temperature of 31.6°C yesterday. This was the highest temperature of the season so far and a huge 7.2°C above normal. The mercury shot up by nearly 3°C from the previous day’s high of 28.5°C. The day temperature may rise further today to reach around the 32°C mark.
Delhi breaches the 30°C mark quite often in February. In the last 15 years, since 2010, it has reached or crossed 30°C on eight occasions. However, this threshold is mostly breached in the last week of February. Yesterday’s temperature of 31.6°C was the earliest in the last five years. A day maximum of 30.4°C was recorded at the Safdarjung observatory on 10 February 2021. Last year, the highest February maximum was 32.4°C, recorded on 25 February.
A Western Disturbance is present over the mountains, along with an induced cyclonic circulation over West Rajasthan. The circulation will move eastward across central Rajasthan, remaining in proximity to the Delhi region. Lower-level winds have already changed around the national capital. The peripherals of the system will reach close to Delhi sometime in the evening.
Rain and showers are likely over Delhi, commencing very late at night or during the wee hours. Thereafter, 2–3 short spells are expected in the forenoon, late afternoon, and evening on 18 February 2026. With this weather activity, the day temperature may drop marginally to the high 20s tomorrow, while the minimum temperature could rise into the low teens.
Broad clearance is expected on 19 February, with a fair amount of sunshine. Day temperatures will rise once again, and a warm weekend is expected ahead.
