20 October,2026 10:26 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Representational image. File pic
Delhi-NCR in the last 24 hours recorded its lowest minimum temperature of the month. The national capital on Monday recorded 17.1 degrees Celsius at the Safdarjung Weather Station, which is 1.3 degrees below the seasonal average. While the maximum temperature was recorded at 31.7 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Delhi, along with other northern Indian states, is experiencing a mild chill during the morning, evening and night hours as the weather begins to change with the onset of the second half of October.
As per IANS, people have also started switching off air conditioners and coolers in their homes as temperatures gradually decline.
Meanwhile, several hilly states have reported rain and snowfall, while parts of southern India are witnessing heavy rainfall.
According to the IMD's forecast, Delhi is likely to experience clear weather on Dussehra, with no rain expected to disrupt celebrations.
The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 32 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected to remain around 18 degrees Celsius, as per IANS.
The sky is likely to remain clear in the national capital until October 23, after which partly cloudy conditions may prevail on October 24 and 25.
Weather conditions across the country have begun to show considerable variation. While northern states are experiencing cooler mornings and evenings, several southern states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka, are witnessing heavy rainfall.
Rainfall activity is also expected to intensify in parts of southern India, with a low-pressure area over the Arabian Sea contributing to increased weather activity.
Meanwhile, concerns over air pollution in Delhi are likely to grow in the coming days. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 139 at 4 pm on Monday, placing it in the moderate category, as per IANS.
Of the 58 air quality monitoring stations that reported data, two recorded pollution levels in the poor category, while six registered satisfactory air quality.
The remaining stations reported moderate air quality. Pusa recorded the highest AQI at 281, indicating poor air quality.
Amid concerns over deteriorating air quality, incidents of stubble burning have also been reported in several states. According to satellite data from the CREAMS laboratory of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, 98 incidents of stubble burning were recorded across six states on October 19, as per IANS.
(With inputs from IANS)
