Warmest Republic Day: For the first time in eight years, Delhi experienced its warmest Republic Day on Sunday. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature on January 26 this year was recorded at 23.7 degrees Celsius, which is 2 degrees above normal.
Earlier, on January 26, 2017, the maximum temperature in the capital was recorded at 26.1 degrees Celsius. It is worth noting that for the last few years, there has been a lot of fluctuations in the temperature on January 26 in Delhi.
Table of Contents
Why Is Delhi So Warm This Republic Day?
Looking at past data, the long period average (LPA) of maximum temperature for January 26 since 1991 has been 22.1 degrees Celsius. However, the temperature has been lower in recent years. The maximum temperature in 2024 was 20.6 degrees Celsius, in 2023 it was 17.3 degrees Celsius and in 2022 it was 16.4 degrees Celsius.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has attributed the persistent above normal temperatures in Delhi to clear skies and dry northwesterly winds.
Bright Sunshine Keeps Delhi’s Day Temperatures High
Mahesh Palawat, Vice President, Skymet, said, “Despite the recent rain and snowfall in parts of northwest India due to a western disturbance, the maximum temperature in Delhi remained unaffected due to bright sunshine during the day.”
However, due to clear skies and northwesterly winds, night temperatures have dropped. On Sunday, the minimum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 7.2 degrees Celsius, one degree below normal. Earlier, the minimum temperature was recorded at 8.6 degrees Celsius on Saturday and 9.8 degrees Celsius on Friday.
Weather Forecast for This Week
A fresh western disturbance is likely to affect the region from January 28, which may lead to a rise in both maximum and minimum temperatures.
According to the IMD, the minimum temperature is expected to hover between 9-11 degrees Celsius by the end of this week, while the maximum temperature is likely to hover between 24-26 degrees Celsius.
Moreover, according to the Central Pollution Control Board, the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 216, which falls in the ‘poor’ category. On Saturday, the AQI was recorded at 174.
Also Read: Delhi Election: BJP Releases Sankalp Patra 3, Amit Shah Targets Kejriwal’s ‘False Promises’
