Chandigarh Records Driest And Warmest February In Three Years

According to IMD data, February 2026 was marked by unusually dry and warm conditions in Chandigarh. The city recorded only 1.7 mm of rainfall, far below the seasonal average of 33 mm. This made it the driest February in three years, second only to 2023 when no rainfall was recorded.  

Temperatures also remained consistently higher than normal. The minimum temperature rose to 14°C, 2.1°C above average, while maximum temperatures hovered around 29°C. Meteorologists attribute this anomaly to shifting weather patterns and reduced western disturbances, which typically bring winter rain to North India.  

The prolonged dry spell has implications for agriculture, water supply, and urban heat management. Experts warn that such trends could become more frequent with climate change, underscoring the need for adaptive measures in urban planning and resource management.  

Key Highlights  

• Chandigarh recorded only 1.7 mm rainfall in February  
• Rainfall was 95% below the normal average of 33 mm  
• Maximum temperatures stayed near 29°C, above seasonal norms  
• Warmest and driest February since 2023  
• IMD links anomaly to reduced western disturbances  

Sources: Hindustan Times,  IMD