The capital is poised for a sharp temperature spike over the next 3–4 days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of intensifying heat and worsening air quality.
On Thursday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 37°C at the Safdarjung observatory — up by nearly 2.5°C from the day before. Although still 3°C below normal, this uptick marks the beginning of a warming trend. The minimum temperature stood at 24.6°C, which is also 3°C below seasonal averages. Humidity levels fluctuated between 71% and 38%.
Weekend Forecast: Expect Sun, Scorch, and a Few Clouds
IMD predicts that Friday’s maximum temperature could range between 38°C and 40°C, with clear skies and intermittent light clouds. With no active weather system currently affecting the region, dry and sunny conditions are expected to dominate, causing significant daytime discomfort.
Air Quality Deteriorates Amid Rising Heat
The spike in temperature is also impacting air quality, which fell into the ‘Poor’ category on Thursday. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s average AQI was 203, primarily driven by ozone pollutants — a matter of concern given ozone’s well-known adverse health effects.
The CPCB defines AQI categories as follows:
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0–50: Good
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51–100: Satisfactory
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101–200: Moderate
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201–300: Poor
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301–400: Very Poor
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401–500: Severe
Forecasts suggest the AQI will hover around the same level over the next 48 hours, signaling tough days ahead for Delhiites battling both heat and pollution.
