World · India Bureau
Delhi shivers through coldest October day in seven decades
The national capital has recorded its coldest October temperature since 1951, while simultaneously enjoying its cleanest air for the month in over a decade. The improved air quality marks a significant shift from Delhi's typical autumn pollution patterns.
LSN India ·
Delhi experienced unusually frigid conditions this October, with temperatures plummeting to levels not seen since the middle of the twentieth century. The cold snap represents a departure from typical weather patterns in the region during the autumn season.
Accompanying the sharp temperature drop is an unexpected improvement in air quality across the capital. The average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded this October stood at 167, marking the lowest monthly average since 2015. This represents a substantial improvement over recent years, when Delhi has frequently grappled with severe air pollution during the autumn and winter months.
The dual phenomena—unseasonably cold temperatures and improved air quality—offer a rare respite for residents accustomed to seasonal pollution concerns. October typically marks the beginning of Delhi's air quality crisis period, as atmospheric conditions begin trapping pollutants and agricultural burning in neighbouring states intensifies.
While the current conditions provide temporary relief, meteorological officials note that weather patterns can shift rapidly during this transitional season. Residents and environmental monitors continue to track atmospheric conditions closely as winter approaches.