Delhi records hottest April night in 6 years

Delhi experienced its hottest April night in six years on Sunday, with the temperature soaring to 27.2°C, three degrees above normal and the highest in April since 2019, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This marked a significant rise of about 7°C from Saturday’s minimum of 20.7°C. The last time the minimum temperature was higher was on April 25, 2019, when it was 28°C.

Saturday was the hottest day of the season, with temperatures crossing 42.1°C, making it the highest April daytime temperature in three years. On Sunday, the maximum temperature slightly eased but remained high at 41.3°C, which is 2.3°C above the normal.

According to an IMD official, clear skies over the past few days contributed to the warmth, and as a result, the nighttime temperature also rose. However, the official also mentioned that cloudiness, particularly in the evening and nighttime, and a return of moisture-laden easterly winds would lead to a slight temperature dip by 1-2°C.

The IMD has forecast a marginal temperature dip in the short term, with winds expected to blow at 15-20 km/h in the capital. Yellow alerts have been issued for Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, forecasting gusty winds of up to 50 km/h and light drizzle.

A fresh western disturbance is expected to affect the western Himalayan region starting May 2, 2025, which could bring light rain or drizzle, thunderstorms, and strong winds to Delhi. Winds of 30-40 km/h, gusting up to 50 km/h, are forecast for Tuesday. On Monday, easterly winds of 10-20 km/h are expected, with speeds possibly reaching 30 km/h on Wednesday. Cloudiness will likely persist in the evening and nighttime.

The maximum temperature on Monday is expected to be between 40°C and 42°C, with a slight dip on Tuesday to hover between 38°C and 40°C. The minimum temperature will range from 25°C to 27°C.

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Meanwhile, Delhi has seen scant rainfall this April, with only 0.7mm recorded so far, well below the average of 16.3mm. In March, the city received just 1.8mm of rain, marking a 90% deficit compared to the usual 17.4mm.

The air quality of the national capital remained in the ‘poor’ category for the seventh consecutive day. At 4 pm on Sunday, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) was 246, classified as ‘poor’. The AQI was 247 the previous day. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between 201-300 is considered ‘poor’, with values higher than this indicating worsening air quality.

(With inputs from PTI)