As winter has already started to make its presence felt, Delhi experienced its coldest night of the season on October 10, with temperatures dropping below 20 degrees Celsius (°C). The minimum temperature was recorded at 18.8°C – about 3.5°C below normal and lower than 20.6°C a day earlier. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this is the first major drop in temperature as the city moves into the winter season.
Alongside the temperature drop, Delhi’s air quality deteriorated on Friday, moving from the “satisfactory” to the “moderate” category.
Nights to remain cool in Delhi
While other weather stations across the city noted minimum temperatures between 18°C and 19°C over the past two days, Safdarjung – Delhi’s main weather station – recorded below 20°C for the first time this season. Meteorologists say the day temperature may rise slightly, but nights will stay cool and steady in the coming days.
IMD data shows that Delhi’s minimum temperature dropped below 20°C on October 12 last year at 18.6°C. In 2023, it dipped earlier on October 3 (18.3°C), while in 2022 it fell on October 9 (19.3°C). This year’s pattern falls roughly in line with the city’s usual October cooling trend.
Friday’s maximum temperature stood at 29.9°C, about 4.3°C below normal.
“Clear skies will continue for the next few days, allowing the daytime temperature to rise slightly but Nights will remain cool because heat escapes quickly from the ground when the skies are clear,” HT reported, quoting Mahesh Palawat, Vice President of Skymet.
IMD forecasts the maximum temperature to increase to 31–33°C by Sunday and up to 35°C by Wednesday, while the minimum will stay between 18–21°C.
AQI rose to 170
The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) rose to 170, up from 100 the day before, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Palawat told the outlet that the rise in pollution was due to a slight dip in wind speed, which limits the dispersion of pollutants. “This kind of fluctuation is common during this time of year,” he said.
Forecasts from the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) suggest that the city’s air quality will remain in the moderate range from Saturday to Monday, and possibly for the rest of the week.