Delhi Rain Brings Coldest October Day in Four Years: Safdarjung High of Just 25.4°C, Air Improves to Satisfactory

Delhi recorded its coldest October day in four years on 29 October. The Safdarjung base station recorded a maximum of just 25.4°C, 5.6 degrees below normal and the lowest October daytime high since 23.4°C on 8 October 2022; the previous day had reached 31.8°C. Cloud cover pushed the minimum up to 19.2°C, 3.1 degrees above normal.

Rain and its cause

The India Meteorological Department attributed the shift to the remnants of Cyclone Arnab interacting with a western disturbance, bringing rain, thunderstorms and dense cloud. Rainfall was uneven: Safdarjung recorded only 0.5 mm and Palam 1 mm, while some south-western areas received far more. Rain returned late on 29 October into the early hours of 30 October across Delhi-NCR, including around Hazrat Nizamuddin station and Jamia Millia Islamia.

Air quality improves

The rain washed out pollutants that had lingered for days. Central Pollution Control Board data put Delhi's overall air quality index at 76 on the morning of 30 October, in the satisfactory range, with 93 near India Gate, also satisfactory; readings had been above 200 on Wednesday and Thursday. Levels still varied by station, with some above 100, so residents should check live readings.

What comes next

The weather office forecasts generally cloudy skies on 30 October with very light to light rain and isolated thunderstorms, improving to partly cloudy skies on 31 October with no warning in force, then mainly clear and stable conditions on 1 and 2 November. Forecasters cautioned that this cool spell is temporary, with a more sustained cooling trend not expected until the second week of November.