In a surprising weather pattern this February, Delhi-NCR has experienced temperatures soaring between 30-31°C, reaching 31.6°C on February 16, 2026, marking it the hottest day of the year so far. This spike in temperature has shattered February records, with readings being 7.2°C above normal. Residents are adjusting to the heat by swapping out winter clothing for lighter attire as they begin to feel the discomfort of rising temperatures during both day and night.

The trend is not isolated to Delhi-NCR, as many parts of the country are experiencing an early arrival of warm weather. According to a report from 'Down to Earth', in the first 15 days of February, 27 out of 36 major cities in India recorded temperatures above normal. This phenomenon raises questions about the potential for prolonged heat across the country, with indications that heatwaves may start earlier, become more intense, and last longer, altering the typical seasonal transitions from winter to spring.

Meteorological experts, including the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), anticipate that the temperatures will remain 2-4°C above normal for the rest of February, suggesting that March might bring even higher temperatures. Concerns are mounting that 2026 could be significantly hotter than 2025. The expected disappearance of the spring season, with a direct transition from winter to summer, raises alarms about the changing climate patterns and their implications for health, agriculture, and overall weather stability in India.