Why Is Delhi So Warm This January? Hottest Republic Day Since 2017!

New Delhi experienced its warmest Republic Day in eight years on Sunday, January 26, as the maximum temperature settled at 23.7 degrees Celsius, two notches above normal. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the mercury is expected to rise further in the coming days. The last time the city witnessed a warmer Republic Day was in 2017 when the maximum temperature reached 26.1 degrees Celsius, as reported by PTI.

Clear Skies Enhance Republic Day Celebrations

The pleasant weather and clear skies on Sunday added to the grandeur of the Republic Day Parade. Unlike previous years when foggy conditions hampered visibility, this year’s fly-past was a breathtaking spectacle. However, Delhi’s minimum temperature on Sunday was recorded at 7.2 degrees Celsius, slightly below normal and a drop from 8.6 degrees Celsius on Saturday and 9.8 degrees Celsius on Friday.

Why Is Delhi So Warm in January?

Delhi’s temperatures on January 26 have shown significant fluctuations over the years. While the long-period average maximum temperature for the day since 1991 is 22.1 degrees Celsius, recent years have been cooler, with maximums of 20.6 degrees Celsius in 2024, 17.3 degrees Celsius in 2023, and 16.4 degrees Celsius in 2022.

The IMD attributes the higher temperatures this year to dry northwesterly winds and clear skies. Mahesh Palawat, vice president of Skymet, a private weather monitoring agency, explained that despite a recent western disturbance bringing rain and snow to parts of northwest India, Delhi remained unaffected due to bright daytime sunshine.

Temperatures to Rise Further in the Coming Days

A fresh western disturbance is set to impact the region starting January 28, potentially increasing both maximum and minimum temperatures. Palawat noted that this system would alter wind patterns, reduce wind speeds, and introduce cloud cover, trapping heat at night and causing nighttime temperatures to rise.

The IMD predicts that by the weekend, Delhi’s minimum temperature could rise to 9-11 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature may hover between 24-26 degrees Celsius.

Air Quality Worsens Amid Warm Conditions

While temperatures remain above normal, Delhi’s air quality has worsened. On Sunday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) entered the ‘poor’ category at 216, compared to 174 (‘moderate’) on Saturday. By 5 a.m. Monday, the AQI stood at 240.

According to the Centre's Sameer app, an AQI between 201 and 300 is categorized as ‘poor.’ The Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi predicts that AQI levels will remain in the ‘poor’ category on January 27 and 28, potentially deteriorating to ‘very poor’ by January 29.

Outlook for the Capital

As temperatures in Delhi continue to rise, residents are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and air quality forecasts. The city’s warm Republic Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing impacts of weather patterns and their influence on daily life.