Bengaluru Faces Unprecedented Heatwave In February. Is 'Cool' City Set For Hotter Summer Than Delhi?

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has attributed this unusual weather pattern to an early onset of summer, a significant departure from Bengaluru’s typical climate.

The weather also marks the city’s hottest day of the season so far, surpassing even Delhi’s daytime temperature, which stood at a cooler 27°C on the same day.

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Bengaluru, often celebrated for its year-round pleasant weather, is grappling with an unexpected and intense heatwave this February, with temperatures soaring to 35.9°C on February 17, 2025. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has attributed this unusual weather pattern to an early onset of summer, a significant departure from Bengaluru’s typical climate.

The weather also marks the city’s hottest day of the season so far, surpassing even Delhi’s daytime temperature, which stood at a cooler 27°C on the same day, as reported by Times of India. The IMD has forecast that Bengaluru could face higher summer temperatures than Delhi this year, indicating an unusually intense heatwave for the city.

Traditionally, summer in Bengaluru begins in early March, but this year, the city has been experiencing unseasonably high temperatures since mid-February. The IMD has reported dry weather across Karnataka, with isolated instances of fog in coastal and interior regions. Notably, there has been an appreciable rise in minimum temperatures in several districts, including Koppal, Gadag, Chitradurga, and Madikeri.

In Bengaluru, the IMD has forecast mainly clear skies with the possibility of fog or mist in the early morning hours. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 34°C and 18°C, respectively. These rising temperatures are a stark contrast to the city’s historical reputation for mild and moderate weather, challenging the long-held perception of Bengaluru as a cool and comfortable destination.

The early heatwave is already having tangible impacts on the city. Groundwater levels, a critical resource for Bengaluru’s residents, are depleting at an accelerated rate. This has raised concerns about water scarcity, especially as the city continues to grapple with rapid urbanization and population growth.

Experts suggest that the shifting weather patterns could be linked to broader climate change trends, with rising global temperatures influencing local climates. The IMD’s data indicates that maximum temperatures are appreciably above normal in several districts, including Bagalkote, Koppal, Belagavi, and Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIAL) area.