Delhi records warmest two days of the year; air quality deteriorates

Delhi experienced its warmest days of the year on Sunday and Monday, with maximum temperatures reaching 28°C on Monday, five degrees above normal.

Delhi experienced its warmest days of the year on Sunday and Monday, with maximum temperatures reaching 28°C on Monday, five degrees above normal.

According to a Times of India report, the temperature on Sunday was slightly lower at 27.4°C. The previous highest temperature this year was 27°C on January 31.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the reason behind this rise in temperature is western disturbances that have reduced wind speeds and brought warm westerly winds to the city. Although cool north-westerly winds during the afternoon helped prevent an extreme rise, daytime temperatures are expected to stay warm until Tuesday, possibly reaching 29°C.

On Monday, wind speeds varied from 8 km/h in the morning and evening to 12 km/h in the afternoon. The minimum temperature was 9.7°C, slightly below normal, as clear night skies allowed heat to escape. It was 7.8°C the previous day.

Minimum temperatures are expected to rise, ranging between 10-12°C on Tuesday, 11-13°C on Wednesday, and 10-12°C on Thursday.

The city’s air quality in the meantime has worsened, slipping from the "moderate" category on Friday and Saturday to "poor" on Sunday and Monday. The Air Quality Index (AQI), which was 227 on Sunday, rose to 271 on Monday.

The IMD’s early warning system predicts that air quality will further deteriorate to the "very poor" category on February 11, remain "poor" on February 12, and may improve to "moderate" by February 13.