On January 26, 2025, Delhi recorded its hottest Republic Day in eight years, leaving residents and experts wondering—why is the city so warm in January? As temperatures soared above the usual seasonal average, many citizens questioned the shift in the city’s climate. The warmth isn’t just a fleeting anomaly but part of a larger trend of increasing temperatures that have affected not only Delhi but many cities worldwide. In this article, we explore the causes behind Delhi’s unseasonal warmth and what this could mean for the future of the city’s climate.
Delhi experienced its warmest Republic Day in eight years on Sunday, January 26, with the maximum temperature reaching 23.7°C, which is two degrees above the usual average for the day, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The forecast indicates that temperatures are set to rise even further.
The previous warmest Republic Day was in 2017 when the city recorded a maximum temperature of 26.1°C, as reported by PTI.
The clear skies provided perfect conditions for the Republic Day parade fly-past, which was a spectacular sight, as foggy conditions typically hinder visibility during this time of year.
However, Delhi’s minimum temperature on January 26 was 7.2°C, which is slightly below the normal for the season. This marks a slight drop from the temperatures on the previous days—8.6°C on Saturday and 9.8°C on Friday.
Why Is Delhi So Warm in January?
Over the years, the temperature on Republic Day has varied significantly. The long-period average (LPA) for the day since 1991 is 22.1°C, but in recent years, temperatures have been cooler. For instance:
- 2024: 20.6°C
- 2023: 17.3°C
- 2022: 16.4°C
So, why is Delhi experiencing higher temperatures this January?
The IMD attributes the higher-than-normal temperatures to two main factors:
- Dry northwesterly winds
- Clear skies, which allow more daytime sunshine and reduce the cooling effect that typically occurs at night.
Mahesh Palawat, Vice President at Skymet, explained that despite a western disturbance bringing some rain and snow to parts of northwest India, Delhi’s maximum temperature remained unaffected due to the consistent sunshine during the day.
What’s Next? Temperatures to Rise Further
Delhi’s temperatures are expected to increase in the coming days. A new western disturbance is set to impact the region starting on January 28. This will likely lead to a rise in both maximum and minimum temperatures.
Palawat noted that the disturbance will shift wind patterns, reduce wind speeds, and bring cloud cover, which will trap heat during the night, causing night temperatures to increase.
The IMD forecasts that the minimum temperature could reach between 9-11°C by the weekend, with maximum temperatures hovering around 24-26°C.
Delhi’s Air Quality Takes a Hit
Along with rising temperatures, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) also saw a noticeable increase, entering the ‘poor’ category with a reading of 216 on January 26. This is up from the ‘moderate’ level of 174 on January 25. By 5 AM on Monday, the AQI was reported at 240, indicating poor air quality, according to the Centre’s Sameer app.
For context, AQI levels are categorized as follows:
- 0-50: Good
- 51-100: Satisfactory
- 101-200: Moderate
- 201-300: Poor
- 301-400: Very Poor
- 401-500: Severe
According to the Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi, the AQI is expected to remain in the ‘poor’ category on January 27 and 28, with conditions likely worsening to ‘very poor’ by January 29.
Delhi’s Warmest Republic Day in Eight Years
On Republic Day this year, Delhi’s temperatures reached record highs, far above what is typical for January. The maximum temperature was recorded at 25.9°C, well above the normal 19.4°C for the month, marking the hottest January 26th since 2017. While a warm Republic Day might seem like an anomaly, it is actually part of a worrying trend.
Key points:
- Record-breaking temperatures were seen across multiple cities in North India.
- Humidity levels also remained higher than usual, contributing to an uncomfortable warmth.
- The warm weather on Republic Day is a part of the broader pattern of increasing temperatures across Delhi, particularly during winter.
Why Is Delhi So Warm in January?
The unexpected warmth in Delhi during January can be attributed to several factors:
Global Warming and Climate Change
One of the primary reasons for the higher-than-usual temperatures is global warming. Over the last few decades, global average temperatures have been steadily rising due to the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This results in shifts in seasonal weather patterns, leading to hotter winters, especially in cities like Delhi.
Urban Heat Island Effect
As one of the largest urban areas in India, Delhi experiences the urban heat island (UHI) effect. This phenomenon occurs when urban areas, due to dense buildings and infrastructure, retain more heat during the day and release it slowly during the night. As Delhi’s urban sprawl expands, this effect amplifies, causing temperatures to be higher than in surrounding rural areas.
Deficient Winter Rains
The lack of adequate winter rains has also contributed to the warmth. Normally, winter rains help in cooling down the city, but low rainfall has been reported for the past few years, exacerbating the higher temperatures in January.
Western Disturbances and Winds
Delhi typically experiences western disturbances, weather patterns that bring cold, moist air from the Mediterranean and Central Asia. However, weaker western disturbances have been observed recently, which fail to bring in enough cold air to offset the warmth, resulting in unseasonably high temperatures.
Impact of Rising Temperatures on Delhi
The rising temperatures in Delhi have significant consequences for its residents and infrastructure:
- Health Risks: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures, even during winter, can increase the risk of heat strokes, dehydration, and respiratory illnesses, especially among vulnerable populations.
- Increased Energy Demand: Higher temperatures lead to increased use of air conditioning, contributing to a surge in energy consumption. This can put pressure on the electricity grid and exacerbate the risk of power shortages.
- Agriculture Impact: Warmer winters affect the sowing and harvesting cycles of crops. Higher temperatures may reduce crop yields, particularly for wheat, a key winter crop in Delhi and northern India.
What Can Be Done to Mitigate Rising Temperatures?
Addressing the causes of rising temperatures in Delhi will require a multi-pronged approach:
- Reducing Air Pollution: Implementing stricter regulations on industrial emissions and vehicle pollution can help improve air quality, which in turn can reduce the intensity of the heat.
- Promoting Green Spaces: Expanding green spaces and increasing tree cover across the city can help reduce the urban heat island effect and provide much-needed shade to cool down urban areas.
- Rainwater Harvesting: Encouraging rainwater harvesting techniques will help in replenishing the city’s water supply and combating the effects of deficient rainfall.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why was Delhi so warm on Republic Day?
Delhi experienced its hottest Republic Day in eight years due to global warming, the urban heat island effect, and weak winter disturbances.
2. Is global warming responsible for this warmth in Delhi?
Yes, global warming has contributed to shifts in seasonal patterns, causing hotter winters, which have led to higher-than-normal temperatures in Delhi.
3. What is the urban heat island effect?
It is the phenomenon where urban areas, due to dense infrastructure and reduced vegetation, retain more heat during the day and release it slowly, making the city warmer than surrounding areas.
4. How can rising temperatures affect Delhi’s residents?
Rising temperatures can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, higher energy consumption, and negatively impact agriculture.
5. What steps can Delhi take to mitigate rising temperatures?
Measures like reducing pollution, expanding green spaces, and encouraging rainwater harvesting can help mitigate the impact of rising temperatures in the city.
6. Will temperatures continue to rise in Delhi?
Yes, given the ongoing impact of climate change, it is likely that Delhi will experience warmer winters and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
Conclusion
Delhi’s hottest Republic Day in eight years is not just a weather anomaly but a reflection of the changing climate patterns that are affecting cities worldwide. The city’s warming temperatures can be attributed to a combination of global warming, the urban heat island effect, and deficient winter rains. As the city’s temperature trends upward, it will become increasingly important to adopt strategies for cooling the city, protecting public health, and conserving resources. Delhi’s future depends on sustainable practices and climate action to combat the rising temperatures and ensure a livable environment for future generations.