Winter retreats early as temperature soars across India

Winter retreats early as temperature soars across India

From Delhi to Pune, temperatures have surged to unseasonal highs, turning what should be peak winter into a prelude to summer. The early onset of heat has sparked concerns about an intense summer ahead, with May and June likely to bring extreme heatwaves.

The early onset of heat has sparked concerns about an intense summer ahead, with May and June likely to bring extreme heatwaves.

Heatwaves in February: An Alarming Shift

Several cities have already reported above-normal temperatures. On Wednesday, Pune recorded a sweltering 36°C, an unusual high for this time of the year. Delhi’s Safdarjung station registered 26°C on Tuesday, almost 4°C above average. Similar temperature spikes have been observed in Bhubaneswar (35°C), Kannur, and Kottayam (36°C+), signaling a premature arrival of summer.

The rising heat is not limited to the day; minimum temperatures have also remained higher than usual, reducing the usual winter coolness. Many regions that typically experience cold nights in February are now seeing milder temperatures, forcing people to pack away their winter wear much earlier than usual.

IMD Forecast: Warmer Days, Drier Weather

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that February 2025 will see above-normal minimum temperatures across most parts of the country, except for a few pockets in Northwest and Southern India. The IMD has also warned of below-average rainfall, which could further intensify the heatwave risks in the coming months.

Winter’s Sudden Exit

January was marked by severe cold spells, especially in North India, where temperatures had dropped to near-freezing levels. However, the sharp transition from extreme cold to sudden warmth in February has left meteorologists and climate experts alarmed. The lack of extended winter chill is part of a larger pattern of shifting climate trends, where extreme cold spells are followed by abrupt temperature spikes.

Is India Heading for Another Record-Breaking Summer?

The early departure of winter raises alarms about the potential for record-breaking heatwaves in the coming months. Experts warn that May and June could bring extreme temperatures, posing serious risks to public health, water supplies, and agriculture. Recent climate patterns suggest that India is facing more frequent and intense weather events, from heatwaves to unpredictable monsoons.

A report from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) revealed that 2024 saw 255 days of extreme weather events, wreaking havoc on lives, crops, and infrastructure. The early onset of heat in 2025 could signal another challenging year ahead.

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