Delhi records coldest October day since 1951, cleanest air for month in over a decade

Delhi has also recorded its cleanest October air in more than a decade as the average AQI of 167 this October is the lowest for the month since 2015 Delhi witnessed an unusually cold October day on Friday, October 30, with the maximum temperature at Safdarjung plunging to 20.7 degrees Celsius, the lowest recorded for the month since 1951. This comes a day after Delhi recorded its coldest October day in four years.People walk along the Kartavya Path towards India Gate as the Air Quality Index (AQI) is recorded at 93 in the area, categorised as 'satisfactory' by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), in New Delhi on Friday. (ANI Video Grab )Top four coldest October days since 1951 are October 25, 1975 (21.5 degrees Celsius), October 31, 1961 (21.9 degree Celsius, October 18, 1971 (22.1 degree Celsius), and October 1, 1954 (22.2 degree Celsius).The interaction of a western disturbance with Cyclone Arnab brought isolated spells rainfall across the city and adjoining areas such as Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad, Noida and Haryana's Gurugram, resulting in a sharp drop in maximum temperatures.Deep DiveAlso Read | Overnight shower brings down Delhi's temperature, coldest October day in 4 years; more rain likely todayDelhi weather breaks multiple recordsCleanest October air in ten yearsDelhi also recorded its cleanest October air in more than a decade. The national capital recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 167 this October, the lowest for the month since 2015, according to an analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).Sixth-wettest October day since 1951The Safdarjung observatory, the primary and official reference weather station for New Delhi, recorded 61.4 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Friday. This was the sixth-highest 24-hour rainfall recorded in October at the observatory since 1951.The highest 24-hour rainfall for October at Safdarjung remains 172.7 mm, recorded on October 1, 1954. The second-highest was 110.9 mm on October 9, 1956, followed by 87.9 mm on October 18, 2021.Also Read | Delhi braces for another wet day, red alert on for rain and thunderstormsFourth-wettest October in over 75 yearsFriday’s rainfall also pushed Safdarjung’s cumulative October precipitation to 123.3 mm, making October 2026 the fourth-wettest October at the observatory since 1951, based on rainfall recorded up to October 30.The wettest October remains 1954, when Safdarjung received 238.3 mm of rainfall, followed by 236.2 mm in 1956 and 128.6 mm in 2022.The minimum temperature at Safdarjung stood at 17.2 degrees Celsius on Friday, 1.1 degrees above normal, according to the IMD.The rainfall and overcast conditions brought a significant change in Delhi’s weather, with the capital experiencing a distinctly wintry feel towards the end of October.Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More