Delhi gets warmest day of year 2 days on the trot

New Delhi: The maximum temperature spiked to the warmest day of the year for two consecutive days. On Monday, the city experienced a warm, sunny day with little wind, as both minimum and maximum temperatures increased. The air quality also worsened, remaining within the "poor" category.
The rise in temperature was due to the influence of a western disturbance, which reduced wind speeds. The maximum temperature reached 28°C, five degrees above normal, compared to 27.4°C the previous day. Prior to this, the highest maximum temperature was 27°C, recorded on Jan 31. Last year, the maximum temperature reached 29.7°C, and in 2023, it spiked to a scorching 33.6°C in Feb.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), daytime temperatures are expected to remain warm until Tuesday, potentially reaching 29°C as wind speeds stay low. Weather analysts noted that the western disturbance is influencing the region, likely reducing wind speed and altering wind direction. The city is currently receiving warm westerly winds, although cool north-westerly winds during peak afternoon hours are preventing a drastic rise in temperatures.
On Monday, westerly winds reached speeds of up to 8 km/h in the morning and evening, and up to 12 km/h in the afternoon. The minimum temperature, however, remained below normal as clear skies during the night allowed heat to escape into the atmosphere. The minimum temperature on Monday was recorded at 9.7°C, a notch below normal, compared to 7.8°C the previous day.
The forecast indicates that minimum temperatures will rise, expected to hover between 10-12°C on Tuesday, 11-13°C on Wednesday, and 10-12°C on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the city's air quality worsened, falling into the "poor" category on Monday. On Sunday, after two consecutive days of "moderate" AQI levels on Friday and Saturday, the air quality dropped to "poor". Monday saw an AQI of 271, on Sunday it was 227.
The IITM's air quality early warning system predicts the AQI will worsen. "The air quality is likely to be in the "very poor" category on Feb 11. On Feb 12, it will likely remain in the "poor" category, and by Feb 13, it may improve to "moderate".