Delhi residents had a sweltering and humid Sunday, with the maximum temperature rising to 36°C, two degrees over the normal seasonal average. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that the September heat will scorcher Delhi, and the city will see similar circumstances until Tuesday. Relief may be in sight beginning the night of September 25, when very light to light rains are forecast to start, potentially providing some relief from the heat. As the September heat scorches Delhi, this weather pattern represents a departure from the primarily rainy circumstances that Delhi had been experiencing earlier in September.

On Sunday, the city experienced its second-highest maximum temperature of the month, trailing only the 36.2°C recorded on September 4. The unseasonably hot weather contrasted sharply with the cold, wet days earlier this month.

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Unseasonal Heat Follows Rainy September

Up to this point, September had been an abnormally wet month in Delhi. The city received rainfall on 14 separate days for a total monthly rainfall of 192.5 mm. The constant precipitation kept temperatures relatively low; on four occasions, the highest temperature fell below 30°C. The cooling effect of periodic rain had provided a welcome respite from the usual September heat, making the latest temperature surge more difficult for inhabitants.

However, once the rains stopped recently, September temperatures began to climb again. According to a meteorologist, the lack of significant rainfall has led to the increase. The daytime temperature has progressively risen with no significant rainfall over the last four days. According to the official, the temperature is forecast to linger around 36°C during the next two days. On Saturday, the city registered a maximum temperature of 34.7°C, showing a persistent rise in mercury levels.

The minimum temperature on Sunday was 25.4°C, one degree above the seasonal average and somewhat higher than the previous day’s reading of 25°C. Relative humidity levels fluctuated between 52% and 97%, adding to the discomfort. Excessive humidity and higher temperatures created an oppressive atmosphere, prompting residents to seek relief from the terrible conditions.

Air Quality Remains in the ‘Moderate’ Category

As September heat scorches Delhi, the city’s air quality deteriorated slightly. The Sunday’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was 164, a notable increase over the previous day’s 116. Both measurements are in the ‘moderate’ range, which means that the air is not harmful but may cause discomfort to sensitive individuals, such as people with respiratory disorders.

IMD projections show air quality will likely remain in the ‘moderate’ category through Wednesday. While not alarming, the gradual increase in pollutants may exacerbate the discomfort already induced by the heat and humidity.

Residents eagerly expect the forecasted rain, which will provide much-needed relief from the high temperatures and the small drop in air quality. Until then, Delhi residents will have to endure a few more days of hot and muggy weather, hoping that the rain will cool the city and clear the air.

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