The national capital on Sunday witnessed its warmest Republic Day in eight years, with the maximum temperature settling at 23.7 degrees Celsius—two notches above normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The last time Delhi saw such warmth on January 26 was in 2017 when the mercury reached 26.1 degrees Celsius.
According to the IMD, misty conditions are likely on Monday, with a maximum temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 8 degrees Celsius in Delhi.
Temperatures Trend on Republic Day
Delhi has recorded variable Republic Day temperatures over the years. The long-period average (LPA) maximum temperature for January 26, calculated since 1991, is 22.1 degrees Celsius. Over the past few years, temperatures have dropped, with a maximum of 20.6 degrees Celsius in 2024, 17.3 degrees Celsius in 2023, and 16.4 degrees Celsius in 2022.
It has been sunny on some days due to the dry, clear skies.
Weather Forecast over Kartavya Path Area for Republic Day Celebrations (26 th January, 2025)
Current weather (at 1430 hours IST of 26.01.2025)
Rainfall at Safdarjung (during past 03 hours): NIL
Temperature: 22.6°C
Sky conditions: Mainly clear Sky
Surface Wind: 12-15 kmph…— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) January 26, 2025
IMD attributed the above-normal maximum temperatures to clear skies and dry northwesterly winds. “Despite a recent western disturbance bringing some rain and snow to parts of northwest India, the maximum temperature in Delhi has remained relatively unaffected due to bright daytime sunshine,” explained Mahesh Palawat, Vice President, Skymet.
These clear skies and northwesterly winds, however, pushed night temperatures down. On Sunday, the minimum temperature in the national capital stood at 7.2 degrees Celsius, a notch below normal, compared to 8.6 degrees Celsius on Saturday and 9.8 degrees Celsius on Friday.
Western Disturbance to Bring Temperature Changes
A fresh western disturbance will affect the region from January 28 onwards. The disturbance will change the wind pattern, slow downwind speed, and bring cloud cover. This will trap heat at night, increasing night temperatures.
“The disturbance will shift wind patterns, reduce wind speeds, and bring cloud cover, which will trap heat at night and cause night temperatures to rise,” added Palawat.
IMD forecasts that the minimum temperature will rise to 9-11 degrees Celsius by the weekend and the maximum will likely stay between 24-26 degrees Celsius.
Air quality has worsened to ‘poor’
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) entered the ‘poor’ category on Sunday, registering 216, compared to Saturday’s ‘moderate’ level of 174. According to the Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi, AQI levels are expected to remain in the ‘poor’ category on January 27 and 28 and may worsen to ‘very poor’ by January 29.
An AQI between 0-50 is classified as ‘good’, 51-100 as ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 as ‘moderate’, 201-300 as ‘poor’, 301-400 as ‘very poor’, and 401-500 as ‘severe.’
