Bengaluru Sees Record February Heat as Climate Change Intensifies
Bengaluru is currently grappling with a climate shift that has seen its highest February temperatures in two decades. On February 17, 2025, the city reached an intense 35.9°C, equalling the record set on the same date in 2005. This dramatic spike in temperature reflects a broader trend of climate change impacting the tech city, with an average rise of 2.7°C over the past year alone.
In a surprising twist, Bengaluru’s February 17 temperatures were higher than those of Delhi, a city often associated with extreme heat. While Bengaluru saw 35.9°C, Delhi’s temperature only reached 27°C. This significant difference has raised eyebrows and challenges the common perception that Northern India typically experiences more severe weather. Experts point to the growing influence of climate change, which has resulted in more unpredictable and extreme weather patterns across India, particularly in cities like Bengaluru. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the weather is expected to remain warm in the coming weeks. With clear skies, early morning mist, and a forecast of temperatures around 34°C during the day and 18°C at night, it’s clear that summer in Bengaluru has arrived early. Typically, the city’s summer season begins around early March, but this year, an early onset is predicted, arriving well before mid-February.
On February 18, the city recorded a temperature of 32.8°C, slightly above the usual average, while the minimum temperature dipped to 17.8°C, just below the usual. Given this early heat surge, experts warn that Bengaluru could see even higher temperatures as the year progresses. With the rise in temperature, concerns about the city’s already depleting groundwater levels have also intensified. The increasing heat, coupled with Bengaluru’s ongoing water crisis, has prompted the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to impose strict measures. To conserve water for drinking purposes, the board has banned the use of potable water for non-drinking needs across the city. Violators of this rule will face a hefty fine of ₹5,000. The BWSSB has also called on residents to be cautious with their water consumption, emphasising the need for judicious use to avoid a water shortage in the coming months.
The rise in temperature not only signals an earlier than usual summer but also places significant strain on both the city’s infrastructure and its residents. Many are now more concerned about managing their water use while adjusting to the rising heat. With the temperature expected to climb further, it seems that Bengaluru is heading into one of its hottest years in recent memory. As the city faces this challenging shift in weather patterns, the importance of climate change awareness and preparation is becoming increasingly evident. Bengaluru’s residents, who have grown accustomed to more moderate weather, must now brace for the impact of higher temperatures and their broader consequences. In the coming months, it will be crucial for both the local authorities and citizens to work together to manage the city’s water resources, ensure sustainability, and take steps to address the growing environmental challenges ahead.
