Delhi Records 36°C Heat With Patchy Rain And Poor Air
The capital experienced a warm Thursday with maximum temperatures reaching 36.1°C, briefly tempered by patchy rain showers that brought temporary relief from the recent dry spell. While the drizzle provided respite from the humidity, the city continued to grapple with poor air quality, highlighting the capital’s fragile balance between weather patterns and environmental stress.
Meteorological data showed the day began at 27°C and gradually climbed to the peak of 36.1°C by midday, with humidity holding steady at 59 per cent. Winds of around 16 km/h supported dispersal of pollutants, yet the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 110, categorised as poor. The concentration of PM2.5 was recorded at 34 µg/m³, while PM10 touched 115 µg/m³. Carbon monoxide levels remained elevated at 624 µg/m³, raising concerns among health experts about prolonged exposure in congested urban areas.
Environmental specialists noted that while patchy rainfall and moderate winds provide short-lived relief, they are insufficient to tackle the entrenched air pollution problem in the city. Residents were advised to carry masks during peak traffic hours and keep umbrellas handy as scattered showers were expected to return in the evening.The week ahead signals a mix of continuity and change. Forecasts suggest clear skies on September 19 and 20, followed by breezier conditions on September 21 and 22, when wind speeds could reach 25 km/h. While stronger winds may temporarily reduce particulate concentration, they could also stir up dust in peripheral areas. Night temperatures are expected to remain in the 26–29°C range, while daytime highs will hover around 36–37°C, pointing towards persistently warm conditions.
Officials and urban planners have stressed that the capital’s struggle with recurring poor air quality cannot be addressed solely by weather shifts. They argue that systemic changes in waste management, cleaner transport and stricter emission control policies are vital if Delhi is to move towards a sustainable future. With the onset of the post-monsoon season, air quality typically worsens, raising fresh questions on preparedness.Residents expressed mixed sentiments. While many welcomed the evening showers as a break from sultry heat, concerns remained about health risks linked to air pollution, especially for children and the elderly. Public health experts underscored the importance of monitoring daily AQI levels and limiting outdoor exposure when pollution spikes.Delhi’s weather on September 18 thus encapsulated the city’s larger challenge: a warming climate offset briefly by rainfall, yet overshadowed by an air quality crisis that demands urgent and sustained solutions.
