Delhi is likely to see a fresh change in weather from Wednesday, with cloudy skies and light drizzle expected across most areas on Thursday and Friday, potentially bringing temperatures down by up to 4 degrees Celsius and making the cold more noticeable, according to the weather department as cited in a report by Live Hindustan.
The forecast follows strong winds, rain and hail in the capital three nights earlier, after which temperatures fell below normal in several areas. Residents have begun experiencing a mild chill, particularly during the morning and evening hours. The next western disturbance is expected to influence Delhi’s weather on Thursday and Friday.
Tuesday is expected to remain generally clear, with the maximum temperature forecast at 30-32 degrees Celsius and the minimum likely to remain between 15 and 17 degrees Celsius. Winds are expected to blow mainly from the north-west at speeds of 5-15 kilometres per hour.
The maximum temperature at Safdarjung, Delhi’s main weather station, was recorded at 31.4 degrees Celsius on Monday, which was 0.4 degrees below normal. The minimum temperature was 16.2 degrees Celsius, or 1 degree below normal, making it the coldest morning of the season so far, according to the report. The minimum temperature had been 17 degrees Celsius on Sunday.
Pusa recorded the lowest minimum temperature among the locations mentioned in the report, at 15.7 degrees Celsius. At Safdarjung, humidity ranged from 39% to 98% during the day.
The weather shift is also occurring alongside a deterioration in Delhi’s air quality. Central Pollution Control Board data cited in the report showed that the city’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index rose to 174 on Monday from 153 a day earlier, an increase of 21 points. An AQI between 101 and 200 falls in the ‘moderate’ category under the CPCB classification, while readings from 201 to 300 are classified as ‘poor’.
The report said Delhi’s air quality is expected to remain in the moderate or poor category over the next two days. The combination of changing wind conditions, falling temperatures and possible drizzle will remain relevant for daily travel and outdoor activity, particularly during the morning and evening periods.
The weather department’s forecast places the next significant change on Thursday and Friday, when cloud cover and light rain are expected across most parts of the capital. The maximum temperature on 29 October may fall to around 26 degrees Celsius.
