Rain Lowers New Delhi Night Temperatures, Slightly Improves Air Quality
On January 24, 2026, New Delhi experienced a significant decrease in temperatures and a marginal enhancement in air quality following recent rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the minimum temperature at Safdarjung station dropped to 7.6 degrees Celsius, slightly above the seasonal average.
Temperature Drop in New Delhi
The temperature recorded a stark decline from Friday’s low of 13.7 degrees Celsius, the highest for that date in four years. Key temperature readings at other locations included:
- Palam: 6.8 degrees Celsius
- Lodhi Road: 6.8 degrees Celsius
- The Ridge: 6.6 degrees Celsius
- Ayanagar: 6.0 degrees Celsius (the lowest)
Improvement in Air Quality
In conjunction with the temperature dip, New Delhi’s air quality showed slight improvement. The average Air Quality Index (AQI) settled at 256, categorized as ‘poor’, down from 293 the previous day. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data revealed that:
- 29 stations reported ‘poor’ air quality.
- 4 stations were classified as ‘very poor’.
- Dwarka had the lowest recorded AQI at 113.
AQI ratings range from good (0-50) to severe (401-500), indicating ongoing air quality concerns.
Forecast for the Coming Days
The Air Quality Early Warning System anticipates that air quality in Delhi will remain in the ‘poor’ range for at least two days. The forecast for the following six days suggests air quality could deteriorate further to ‘very poor’. The IMD has predicted temperature ranges as follows:
- Maximum: 17 to 19 degrees Celsius
- Minimum: 6 to 8 degrees Celsius (near normal)
The weather forecast also includes the possibility of cloudy skies and shallow to moderate fog in the mornings, accompanied by strong surface winds reaching speeds of 10-20 kilometers per hour.
As the winter season progresses, residents are advised to remain vigilant regarding air quality and temperature fluctuations in New Delhi.
