Heatwave in India: Will Bengaluru's temperatures surpass Delhi's heat?

Dubai: Bengaluru, known for its mild and pleasant weather year-round, is expected to surpass Delhi in temperature this year, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The city will also experience hotter days in the coming weeks, with temperatures steadily rising.

In fact, Bengaluru has seen a rise of 2.7°C in temperature from last year to this, while Delhi recorded 29°C, making the Karnataka capital warmer. Recently, Bengaluru has experienced unusually high daytime temperatures, outpacing Delhi’s heat.

The Indian Express reports that on Thursday, Bengaluru reached a high of 33.3°C, 2.7°C above normal, while Delhi remained cooler at 29°C, signaling the early arrival of summer.

Despite the scorching afternoons, Bengaluru’s nights still retain a touch of winter, with temperatures dropping to 17.1°C, slightly below normal. In comparison, Delhi's temperature that evening was a much cooler 10°C.

Bengaluru hits record heat
February 17, 2025, has been reported as the hottest day in Bengaluru this year, with temperatures soaring to 35.9°C. Meanwhile, Delhi recorded a lower 27°C, putting to rest claims that Bengaluru boasts the best weather in India.

Rising temperatures: A worrying trend

Historically, Bengaluru’s February temperatures have averaged around 30.9°C (max) and 17.6°C (min) between 1990 and 2020. However, in recent years, the city has seen a steady rise, with February highs often ranging between 33°C and 35.5°C. The report notes that the warmest February day on record was February 17, 2005, when temperatures reached 35.9°C, while the coldest was February 6, 1884, at a chilling 9.6°C.

According to the IMD, temperatures are currently above normal not only in Bengaluru but also in nearby areas like Chitradurga, Chintamani, and Mysuru. With weekend forecasts predicting temperatures in Bengaluru could reach 34°C, there are growing concerns about the early onset of summer in the region.