This winter seems notably warmer for many across India, but is it truly an anomaly? An analysis by HT, based on gridded data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), suggests that the feeling of warmth is mainly due to higher minimum temperatures rather than maximum ones.

While maximum temperatures have increased slightly since the third week of January, averaging closer to typical levels for the week ending February 24, it’s the nights that are noticeably warmer. This shift in minimum temperatures is likely contributing to the spring-like feel that many are experiencing in recent days.

In short, it’s not just the daytime highs but the milder nights that are making this winter stand out as warmer than usual.