Delhi Experiences Pleasant Weather Ahead of Diwali, Rise in Pollution Levels

Strategic Insights -

Delhi welcomed a fairly pleasant morning on Monday, with clear skies and a comfortable temperature of 22.6 degrees Celsius. The regional meteorological centre predicted a maximum temperature of 32 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 19 degrees Celsius for the day. However, the city has also seen a slight rise in pollution levels ahead of Diwali, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reporting an air quality index of 169 at 10 am, categorizing the air quality as 'moderate'. The city has already experienced its first temperature drop below 20 degrees Celsius for the 2025-26 winter season on October 10, reaching 18.8 degrees Celsius.

Key Takeaways:

  • The national capital, Delhi, experienced clear skies and pleasant weather on Monday, with a temperature of 22.6 degrees Celsius.
  • The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an air quality index of 169 at 10 am, categorizing the air quality as 'moderate'.
  • Delhi has seen a slight rise in pollution levels ahead of Diwali.
  • The city experienced its first temperature drop below 20 degrees Celsius for the 2025-26 winter season on October 10, reaching 18.8 degrees Celsius.
  • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that La Nina may lead to a colder winter in several parts of India, especially the north.
  • Snowfall in higher-altitude Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, and rain in lower parts of the state, have led to a sharp dip in temperature in Delhi and other northern plains.
  • The northeast monsoon season (October-December) is expected to be wetter than usual, with rainfall exceeding 112 per cent of the average in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and adjoining regions.
  • Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport reported a general visibility of 2,200 meters at around 10.03 am.
  • The national capital is expected to see an earlier-than-usual winter season due to snowfall in higher reaches of northern states.

Statistics:

  • Temperature in Delhi on Monday: 22.6 degrees Celsius
  • Air quality index at 10 am: 169, categorizing the air quality as 'moderate'
  • Pollution levels in Delhi ahead of Diwali: rise in pollution levels
  • First temperature drop below 20 degrees Celsius for the 2025-26 winter season: October 10, reaching 18.8 degrees Celsius
  • Expected rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and adjoining regions: 112% of average
  • General visibility at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport: 2,200 meters

Sources:

  • Hindustan Times
  • India Meteorological Department (IMD)
  • Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)