Delhi Swelters: Hottest July Day in 2 Years

New Delhi experienced its warmest July day and night in two years this past Thursday. The maximum temperature climbed to 39.2 degrees Celsius, significantly exceeding the normal by four degrees. Simultaneously, the minimum temperature settled at 30.2 degrees Celsius, three notches above average, with the heat index peaking at 48 degrees Celsius.

These intense hot and humid conditions, defined by temperatures three degrees above normal coupled with high relative humidity, are anticipated to continue through Saturday. A welcome change is expected from Saturday evening as a spell of very light to light rain is forecast. This precipitation is likely to usher in a drop in maximum temperatures, with a fall of 3-5 degrees Celsius expected thereafter.

Looking ahead, temperatures are projected to decrease further. The maximum temperature, which is likely to remain between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius on Friday, may dip to around 35-37 degrees on Saturday and approximately 32-34 degrees by July 22. Similarly, the minimum temperature is predicted to fall from around 28-30 degrees Celsius on Saturday to about 22-25 degrees by July 22.

As of July 2026, Delhi's Safdarjung station has recorded 132.2 mm of rainfall, falling short of the month's average of 209.7 mm. Separately, the city's air quality was recorded as 'moderate' with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 176, an increase from the previous day's 136. Anand Vihar registered the highest pollution levels with a 'poor' AQI of 355.