Delhi Weather Update : Chilly Winds, Fog Return After Coldest March Day in 6 Years – AQI Improves !
Prime Vista News
Delhi records its cleanest air in 5 months as temperatures drop below normal. Fog, chilly winds return with light rain and thunderstorms forecast early next week.
New Delhi: A sudden dip in temperatures accompanied by chilly winds and early morning fog brought a wintry feel back to Delhi on Saturday, just a day after the city recorded its coldest March day in six years.
The national capital woke up to dense patches of fog, with the minimum temperature dropping to 13 degrees Celsius around 3.5 degrees below the seasonal average, according to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Sharp Temperature Drop After Unusual Cold Spell
The sudden chill follows an unusually cold day recorded on Friday, when the city witnessed a significant drop in daytime temperatures.
At the Safdarjung Observatory the city’s primary weather station the maximum temperature settled at 21.7 degrees Celsius, which is 9.6 degrees below normal. This marks the coldest March day recorded in Delhi since March 8, 2020, when the maximum temperature had dipped to 21.2 degrees Celsius.
The minimum temperature on Friday was recorded at 16 degrees Celsius, slightly below normal, before falling further on Saturday morning.
Meteorologists attribute the sudden cooling to the influence of an active western disturbance, which brought cloud cover, rainfall, and strong winds across north India.
Fog Returns, Winds Intensify Chill
The combination of moisture in the air and falling temperatures led to the return of fog in several parts of the city early Saturday.
Residents reported reduced visibility in the early hours, while brisk winds added to the chill factor, making conditions feel colder than the recorded temperature.
Despite the seasonal transition into spring, such weather fluctuations are not uncommon during March, especially when influenced by western disturbances.
Air Quality Sees Dramatic Improvement
In a positive development, Delhi recorded its cleanest air in nearly five months, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping into the ‘satisfactory’ category.
At 8 am on Saturday, the AQI stood at 94, as per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
This follows Friday’s AQI reading of 93, marking the first time since October 9, 2025, that Delhi’s air quality has entered the ‘satisfactory’ bracket. On that day, the AQI was recorded at 99.
AQI Categories (As Per CPCB Standards):
| AQI Range | Category |
|---|---|
| 0–50 | Good |
| 51–100 | Satisfactory |
| 101–200 | Moderate |
| 201–300 | Poor |
| 301–400 | Very Poor |
| 401–500 | Severe |
Experts say the sharp improvement in air quality is largely due to rainfall and strong winds, which helped disperse pollutants and reduce particulate matter levels in the atmosphere.
Rainfall Boosts Air and Seasonal Totals
Rainfall on Friday played a key role in improving both weather conditions and air quality. The city recorded around 7 mm of precipitation, contributing to a noticeable drop in pollution levels.
With this, Delhi’s cumulative rainfall for March has reached levels above the monthly average of 16.2 mm, making it the wettest March since 2023. That year had recorded significantly higher rainfall totals of 50.4 mm.
Meteorologists note that such rainfall events during March are often linked to western disturbances, which bring moisture-laden winds from the Mediterranean region into northern India.
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Forecast: Mild Days, Light Rain Ahead
According to the IMD, the maximum temperature on Saturday is expected to settle around 27 degrees Celsius, indicating a gradual return to milder daytime conditions despite the cool mornings.
The Air Quality Early Warning System has predicted that air quality is likely to remain in the ‘moderate’ category over the next couple of days, from Saturday through March 23.
Weather forecasts suggest that Delhi may experience:
- Very light rainfall on Monday
- Possibility of thunderstorms and lightning
- Continued influence of western disturbance systems
These conditions are expected to keep temperatures slightly below normal for the next few days.
Impact on Daily Life
The sudden drop in temperature and return of fog affected early morning commuters, particularly those travelling by road and rail.
However, the improvement in air quality brought relief to residents who have endured months of poor pollution levels. Health experts often highlight that even short periods of improved air quality can have positive effects on respiratory health.
The cooler weather has also delayed the onset of typical March heat conditions, offering residents a temporary respite before the summer season intensifies.
Seasonal Transition with Fluctuations
March in Delhi typically marks the transition from winter to summer, often characterised by fluctuating temperatures, intermittent rainfall, and occasional dust storms.
This year’s pattern, however, has seen more pronounced variations, including:
- A significant cold spell late in the month
- Higher-than-average rainfall
- Improved air quality conditions
Meteorologists say such variability is increasingly being observed due to changing climate patterns and the frequency of western disturbances.
Monitoring Conditions Closely
Authorities and weather agencies continue to monitor the evolving weather system, particularly the impact of upcoming disturbances that could bring further rainfall and thunderstorms.
Residents are advised to stay updated with weather forecasts, especially those planning travel or outdoor activities in the coming days.
Prime Vista News will continue to track weather developments across Delhi and provide timely updates on temperature trends, air quality, and forecast conditions.
