Minimum temperature at 24.6 degrees in Delhi; monsoon withdraws early

Delhi: The national capital recorded a minimum temperature of 24.6 degrees Celsius on Thursday, 0.7 degrees above the season’s normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Relative humidity stood at 66 per cent at 8:30 am, while the maximum temperature is expected to reach 34 degrees Celsius under clear skies.

monsoon withdraws early after surplus rains

At 9 AM, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was measured at 124, falling in the ‘moderate’ category. On Wednesday, the city had reported a maximum of 35.4 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 24 degrees Celsius, with the AQI averaging 120.

The IMD confirmed on Wednesday that the southwest monsoon has withdrawn from Delhi and adjoining regions a day ahead of its normal schedule, marking the earliest retreat since 2002. The withdrawal last year took place on October 2.

Despite the early exit, the city witnessed an above-normal season. Safdarjung, Delhi’s base observatory, logged 902.6 mm of rainfall—41 per cent higher than average. Overall, the city recorded 736.2 mm, about 37 per cent above the long-period normal of 536.3 mm. In comparison, Delhi received 1,029.9 mm in 2023, 660.8 mm in 2022, 516.9 mm in 2021, and 1,169.7 mm in 2021. With consistent showers since May, this year’s annual rainfall has already crossed the 1,000 mm mark.

September brought 136.1 mm of rain, exceeding the monthly normal of 123.5 mm. The season began with record rainfall in May (186.4 mm against 30.7 mm), followed by an above-normal June (107.1 mm), a wet July (259.3 mm), and an exceptionally rainy August (400.1 mm, the highest in 15 years). The city also recorded three heavy rainfall days: 68.1 mm on July 29, 79 mm on August 9, and 79.4 mm on August 15.

District-wise, Central Delhi reported the highest seasonal rainfall at 950 mm, while South Delhi received the least at 550.3 mm—still above the deficit mark. No district recorded a shortfall, IMD data showed.

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Since September 20, the dominance of dry northwesterly winds has led to a gradual rise in day temperatures.