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Delhi shivers through coldest October day in 75 years after downpour

A sharp temperature dip following heavy rainfall has brought Delhi's mercury well below seasonal norms, with shallow fog blanketing the capital during early morning and late evening hours. Residents have begun reaching for warm clothing as the unusual cold snap grips the region.

LSN India · 30 October 2026

Delhi experienced its coldest October day in three-quarters of a century on Tuesday, with temperatures plummeting significantly below normal following heavy precipitation across the National Capital Region. The sudden meteorological shift caught residents unprepared, prompting many to dust off winter garments as the season traditionally associated with mild weather turned unexpectedly frigid.

The temperature dip coincided with shallow fog formations during early morning and late evening hours, reducing visibility across several parts of the city and affecting commuter movements. Weather officials attributed the unusual cold snap to the combination of recent rainfall and clear skies, which typically accelerate heat loss from the earth's surface.

The unseasonably cold conditions also resulted in a marked improvement in air quality across Delhi, with pollutant dispersion aided by weather patterns accompanying the temperature decline. While the brief cold spell provided relief from the capital's persistent air quality challenges, meteorologists cautioned that such extreme fluctuations in October temperatures remain rare and noteworthy.

IAS officials and weather monitoring agencies have not issued any specific alerts, though residents in vulnerable groups have been advised to take necessary precautions against the sudden cold. The weather department indicated that temperatures are expected to gradually normalize over the coming days as the system moves eastward.