New Delhi experienced heavy rainfall on Saturday, marking a shift in weather patterns after an unusually warm February. Several parts of Haryana also witnessed heavy showers, bringing relief from the rising temperatures recorded over the past month.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi recorded an average maximum temperature of 26.7 degrees Celsius in February, making it one of the warmest in recent years. On February 28, the IMD had predicted light to moderate rainfall along with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in Delhi-NCR during the night.
The IMD’s forecast highlighted that light to moderate rain with gusty winds (30-50 km/h) would affect multiple regions, including Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurugram, and parts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
Record-Breaking February Temperatures
Delhi experienced an unusually warm February, with the minimum temperature averaging 11.6 degrees Celsius—the highest February minimum in six years. The last time such warm nighttime temperatures were recorded was in 2017.
On February 27, the city saw its hottest February night in 74 years, with the minimum temperature settling at 19.5 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature that day peaked at 32.4 degrees Celsius, making it the warmest day of the month.
India Bracing for a Hot March
According to the IMD, India is likely to experience a warmer-than-usual March, with several heatwave days expected across various regions. Delhi, too, is expected to witness rising temperatures in the coming weeks despite occasional spells of rain.
Rainfall activity in February was also lower than the previous year, with the city recording only four rainy days compared to six in 2023.
With March underway, Delhiites will be watching closely for further weather updates, hoping for more relief from the heat as summer approaches.
Sources By Agencies
