Delhi experienced its coldest day in March in the past six years on Friday (March 20). The chilly weather forced people to wrap shawls and use warm water for taking baths. The day comes after persistent rain and gusty winds for several days. Due to which, the national capital also breathed clean and “satisfactory” air today. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued a yellow alert for Friday. As per the IMD forecast, the weather in Delhi is expected to remain the same for a few days. Residents are suggested to plan their week accordingly.
At the Safdarjung station, the temperature only reached 21.7°C. That is nearly 10 degrees colder than what is normal for this time of year. The last time the city felt this cold in March was back in 2020.
Other parts of the city were even chillier:
- Palam: 21.2°C
- Lodhi Road: 21.0°C
- Ridge: 21.1°C
The Cleanest Air in Months
The rain did a fantastic job of “washing” the air. For the first time in five months (161 days to be exact), the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped to 93.
This puts Delhi in the ‘satisfactory’ category. To give you an idea of the scale:
- 0–50: Good
- 51–100: Satisfactory (Where Delhi is now)
- 101–200: Moderate
- 301+: Very Poor/Severe
Rainfall Totals
This has been the wettest March in three years. The city recorded 7 mm of rain on Friday alone, bringing the total for the month so far to 16.2 mm. While it rained steadily in the morning, the showers stopped completely by the afternoon.
What happens next?
The rainy spell is officially over. From Saturday, the sun will return with partly cloudy skies.
- Expected High: 27°C
- Expected Low: 14°C
- Air Quality: Likely to slip back into the ‘moderate’ category.
Delhi Weather Forecast
20 March — Partly cloudy with possibility of very light rain or drizzle during night. Temp 22°/16°, humidity 100/72.
21 March — Partly cloudy sky expected throughout the day. Temperatures at 27°/14° with humidity levels at 100/70.
22 March — Generally cloudy sky predicted for the day. Temperatures reach 30°/16° with moderate humidity of 90/65.
23 March — Generally cloudy sky with light rain or drizzle possible. Temp 31°/17°, high humidity at 95/70.
24 March — Partly cloudy sky forecast for the day. Temperatures at 31°/17° with comfortable humidity levels of 80/50.
25 March — Partly cloudy sky expected. Slightly warmer at 32°/17° with humidity holding steady at 80/50.
26 March — Partly cloudy sky continuing. Temperatures at 32°/18°, humidity at 80/50, no weather warnings issued.
