January in Delhi is typically a time when people bundle up in thick blankets, sip hot chai by the fire, and embrace the crisp, chilly mornings. But this year, something’s different. The bite of winter seems to be slipping away far too soon, leaving behind unexpectedly warm afternoons and mild evenings. As residents step out into what feels like a preview of spring, one question lingers: why is winter disappearing so quickly?

At the heart of this shift lies the undeniable impact of climate change. Global temperatures have been steadily rising, and Delhi is no exception. What was once a city marked by distinct seasons now faces unpredictable weather patterns. The warmth that has overtaken what should be peak winter is a clear symptom of a planet in distress. Greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and pollution are disrupting nature’s rhythms, turning the cold, serene winter days into mild, unseasonably warm afternoons.

Urbanization is also playing a critical role in altering Delhi’s winters. The rapid growth of the city, with its vast expanse of concrete, results in the “urban heat island” effect. Buildings, roads, and other man-made structures trap heat, preventing the city from cooling down as it should during winter months. As a result, Delhi experiences warmer temperatures compared to the surrounding rural areas, making the cold spells less intense.

Moreover, the weakening of western disturbances, which typically bring cold waves and rain to North India, has led to a lack of rain and reduced cold weather this season. Without these cooling systems, Delhi’s winter has been a shadow of its former self.

While a warmer winter may seem like a welcome relief, it comes with alarming consequences. Erratic weather patterns disrupt agriculture, strain water resources, and increase the risk of extreme weather events. Delhi’s vanishing winter serves as a stark reminder that the effects of climate change are no longer a distant threat they are reshaping the seasons we once took for granted.