Winters Cut Short For Delhi: Hot Days Ahead
Key Takeaways:
- Delhi winter effectively ending as minimum temperatures settle in mid-teens.
- Safdarjung records 30.5°C; temperatures likely to approach 33°C.
- No significant impact from upcoming Western Disturbances on Delhi/NCR.
- Dry spell expected to continue through Holi and beyond.
Wintry touch is almost over for Delhi. Days have become quite warm, but a slight nip in the air continues during late night and early morning hours. Over the next one week or so, the minimum temperatures will persistently get parked in the mid-teens and the typical winters will be called off for Delhi/NCR. It is going to be an early start of pre-monsoon, with fairly warm days and windy afternoons as precursors.
Base station Safdarjung recorded a day maximum of 30.5°C, about 5°C above normal. This was the third time when the record repository breached the 30°C mark during this month. The highest so far was 31.6°C registered on 16th Feb 2026. The day temperature will remain above 30°C today as well and is likely to reach closer to 31°C. A further rise is expected as the weekend comes nearer.
There is no weather system over North India for the next two days. A feeble Western Disturbance will arrive to stay over the mountainous region between 26th and 27th Feb 2026. Plains are not going to be impacted at all. Earliest, a moderately strong Western Disturbance is expected between 02nd and 04th March 2026. Its influence may at best reach up to the foothills and the national capital will still remain aloof from any noticeable change in weather activity.
Seasonal progression, coupled with early cessation of winter cool, will lead to a rise in mercury levels over the approaching weekend. In the past, Safdarjung has crossed the 33°C mark twice in the month of February , 2021 and 2023, leaving aside the highest ever of 34.1°C recorded on 26 Feb 2006. The main reason for the rising temperature is the absence of weather systems and persistently clear days, accumulating radiational heat for the last many days. The last drop of rain was witnessed on 18th Feb and brighter days thereafter. The city has gone on record to observe one of the driest February months with a minuscule monthly rainfall of 0.5 mm, against the normal of 21.5 mm. Completely dry days and abundant sunshine will lead to a rise in mercury, inching closer to 33°C. The dry and hot spell will extend up to the festival of Holi and beyond.
