The national capital experienced an unexpected surge in temperatures on Wednesday, marking the hottest day of the season so far. The mercury soared to 32°C, significantly exceeding the seasonal average by six degrees, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
This marks the warmest February day in Delhi since February 27, 2023, when the city recorded the same temperature. In comparison, February 2024 saw a slightly milder peak at 29.7°C. The sudden rise in temperatures has raised concerns over the ongoing trend of warming winters in northern India.
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The temperature rise was particularly sharp at Safdarjung, Delhi’s primary weather observatory, where the maximum temperature stood 6.3 degrees above normal. The city also recorded a minimum temperature of 15.4°C, nearly three degrees higher than usual. In just 24 hours, the temperature climbed by 3.3 degrees, indicating a sudden heatwave-like condition in late winter.
Along with the soaring heat, Delhi’s air quality continued to deteriorate. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 221, placing it in the ‘poor’ category, as per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
