A February Unlike Any Other
February 2025 Breaks 125-Year Heat Record in India: India just experienced its hottest February since 1901, according to the latest data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The average temperature hit 22.04°C, which is 1.49°C higher than normal. Central India saw an even sharper rise—1.94°C above the usual level. The maximum temperature reached a staggering 29.07°C, marking the second-highest ever recorded in February, just behind the 29.5°C logged in 1953. These numbers aren’t just records—they are red flags.
Rainfall Vanishes Across Central India
While the heat soared, rainfall almost disappeared. India recorded a 59% rainfall deficit in February 2025. Central India was hit hardest, seeing an 89.3% drop in precipitation, with only 50.2 mm rainfall—one of the driest February months since 2001. East and Northeast India fared slightly better, but rainfall there too remained well below average. This double blow of heat and dryness spells trouble for agriculture, water supply, and rural livelihoods.
Climate Change Is No Longer a Distant Threat
Experts believe this extreme weather is no coincidence. The combination of rising global temperatures and the lack of active western disturbances has created a perfect storm. With 2024’s average temperature already 1.5°C above normal, we are witnessing the rapid acceleration of climate change in the Indian subcontinent. The more these extremes repeat, the more difficult it will be to manage their effects.
Cities Face the Heat First
Urban areas like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are among the most at risk. Thanks to the urban heat island effect, these cities are heating faster than nearby rural areas. Concrete jungles trap heat, while the lack of green spaces and cool roofs makes things worse. For daily wage workers, senior citizens, and children, this rising heat can become a matter of survival. Experts urge better urban planning, more trees, and investment in heatwave shelters as vital solutions.
IMD Warns of More Heatwaves Ahead
The IMD has predicted a tough summer ahead. Between March and May 2025, India may face above-normal heatwave days, especially in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. These regions are already known for extreme summers, and longer heatwaves could stretch power demand, reduce crop yields, and put millions of lives at risk. India must act now, before summer pushes these records even higher.
The Urgent Need for Climate Resilience
This February has served as a warning bell. Climate scientists and the IMD are calling for stronger early warning systems, sustainable energy use, and public awareness. Measures like cool roofs, reflective paint, solar energy, and water conservation strategies can make a big difference. The future is heating up fast—and we need to cool down our response time.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS
February 2025 Breaks 125-Year Heat Record in India:
| Topic | Detail |
| Hottest February on Record | February 2025 (22.04°C average temp) |
| Temperature Anomaly | +1.49°C nationally; +1.94°C in Central India |
| Rainfall Deficit (Feb 2025) | 59% nationwide; 89.3% in Central India |
| Second-Highest Max Temperature | 29.07°C (after 29.5°C in Feb 1953) |
| IMD Heatwave Forecast (2025) | March–May: Above-normal heatwaves in West India |
| Cities Most Vulnerable | Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru |
| Long-Term Trend | 2024–25: Average annual temp +1.5°C |
