Warm And Dry Days Ahead For Delhi: Earliest Rains Only In March
Image: AI-Skymet
Key Takeaways:
- Delhi’s maximum temperature jumped to 28°C, around 4°C above normal.
- Dry weather will persist with no significant rainfall expected this week.
- Maximum temperatures may cross 30°C, but are unlikely to exceed 32°C in February.
- A weather shift is possible around Holi as a Western Disturbance and pre-monsoon system may interact.
As on expected lines, mercury levels have risen sharply over the national capital. A cloudy sky and a brief rainy spell had earlier pushed the day temperature to the low 20s on 18th Feb 2026. However, there was a sharp rise yesterday and the maximum shot up to 28°C, about a 7°C rise from the previous day and also above normal by about 4°C. The minimum temperature also rose marginally to stay in the low double digits. Dry weather conditions prevailed across Delhi/NCR and are likely to continue.
No active Western Disturbance is likely to approach the hills. There is a likelihood of a dry cyclonic circulation forming over Central and East Rajasthan between 22nd and 23rd Feb 2026. This will lead to a change in the wind pattern over and around Delhi, but will remain inconsequential for any precipitation.
Reaching the end of February is pointing to precursors of pre-monsoon. The day temperature will rise further, but gradually. It is expected to cross the 30°C mark on Sunday and retain the warmth till mid-week next. The transition phase to the pre-monsoon will get manifested as hot and strong surface winds between 23rd and 27th Feb. This feature will suppress any sharp rise of mercury, which is unlikely to cross 32°C in the remaining days of the month. Delhi has recorded a highest of 31.6°C on 16th Feb 2026 and the record for this month will hang around the same mark.
There is a likelihood of an active Western Disturbance approaching right at the start of March. Though early to say, the conditions are becoming favourable to have the first pre-monsoon system over the plains around the same time. Together, the duo will cause rain/snow in the hills and pre-monsoon showers in the plains, including Delhi. A twist in the weather conditions is expected around the festival of Holi on 04th March 2026.
