Delhi Hits 18-Year Low
The city's minimum temperature dropped to 21 degrees Celsius, but the India Meteorological Department expects a rise soon due to El Nino conditions, which may lead to 15,800 additional heat-related deaths in India over the next six months
Delhi experienced its coldest September morning in 18 years on Sunday, with the minimum temperature dropping to 21 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature at Safdarjung was 2.9 degrees below the seasonal average, while the maximum temperature was 30.6 degrees Celsius, 3.7 degrees below normal.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that this was the second-lowest minimum temperature recorded in September at Safdarjung since 2001. The cooler weather followed rainfall in Delhi and widespread rain across neighbouring states.
Despite the cooler weather, Delhi's air quality remained in the 'satisfactory' category. However, this is likely to change soon, especially from October 1, when both minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be near normal at most places over Delhi. Maximum temperatures could be in the range of 33 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius, and minimum temperatures from 23 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius, the IMD said.
The prevailing El Nino conditions over the equatorial Pacific are expected to intensify into 'a very strong event' in the coming months and persist through February 2027, according to global weather agencies such as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This could push global land temperatures 1.2 degrees Celsius above normal in the coming months.
## Why it matters The El Nino conditions may have severe consequences for India, with a report by the University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute projecting around 15,800 additional heat-related deaths in the country over the next six months, compared to a normal year. This highlights the need for preparedness and measures to mitigate the effects of the rising temperatures.
## What happens next As the western disturbance and the upper air cyclonic circulation dissipate, temperatures are expected to rise in Delhi. The city's air quality may also be affected, and the authorities may need to take measures to prevent a deterioration in air quality. The IMD will continue to monitor the weather conditions and provide updates on the expected temperature changes.
