Delhi-NCR recorded its lowest minimum temperature of the month so far on Monday, with the mercury at the Safdarjung Weather Station dropping to 17.1 degrees Celsius, 1.3 degrees below the seasonal average. The maximum temperature was recorded at 31.7 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Meanwhile, several hilly states have reported rain and snowfall, while parts of southern India are witnessing heavy rainfall. The remaining stations reported moderate air quality. Amid concerns over deteriorating air quality, incidents of stubble burning have also been reported in several states.
The national capital and other northern Indian states are experiencing a mild chill during the morning, evening and night hours as the weather begins to change with the onset of the second half of October. Residents have started switching off air conditioners and coolers in their homes as temperatures gradually decline. Of the 58 air quality monitoring stations that reported data, two recorded pollution levels in the poor category, while six registered satisfactory air quality. Pusa recorded the highest AQI at 281, indicating poor air quality. According to satellite data from the CREAMS laboratory of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, 98 incidents of stubble burning were recorded across six states on October 19.
Weather conditions across the country have begun to show considerable variation. several southern states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka, are witnessing heavy rainfall While northern states are experiencing cooler mornings and evenings. Rainfall activity is also expected to intensify in parts of southern India, with a low-pressure area over the Arabian Sea contributing to increased weather activity. Meanwhile, concerns over air pollution in Delhi are likely to grow in the coming days.
The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 32 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected to remain around 18 degrees Celsius. The city’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 139 at 4 p.m. on Monday, placing it in the moderate category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Delhi is likely to experience clear weather on Dussehra, with no rain expected to disrupt celebrations, according to the IMD’s forecast.
