An AQI of 93, maximum temperature at 21.7°C: A big day of records for Delhi New Delhi experienced an unusual March day as a cyclonic circulation caused temperatures to drop to 21.7°C, marking the lowest maximum temperature for the month in six years. This was 9.6°C below the normal average and a 5.1°C decline from the previous day. The last time Delhi recorded such a low temperature was on March 8, 2020, when the maximum was 21.2°C. The cooler afternoon winds and favorable weather conditions also improved air quality, with the city logging an “satisfactory” air quality index (AQI) of 93. This was the cleanest air recorded in 2026 and the first “satisfactory” AQI day since October 9, 2025, when the index was 99. The last time Delhi saw cleaner air was on October 8, 2025, with an AQI of 80. Similar weather patterns were observed across Delhi-NCR. Gurugram recorded a maximum temperature of 21.8°C and an AQI of 98, while Gautam Budh Nagar, which includes Noida and Greater Noida, saw temperatures drop to 20.1°C with AQIs of 86 and 98. Ghaziabad reported a maximum of 20.3°C and an AQI of 100. According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) classification, an AQI between 0-50 is “good,” 51-100 is “satisfactory,” 101-200 is “moderate,” 201-300 is “poor,” 301-400 is “very poor,” and 401-500 is “severe.” The CPCB’s early warning system predicted Delhi’s AQI would rise to the “moderate” category on Saturday and remain there for the following week. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted a gradual increase in maximum temperatures, with the Capital expected to see temperatures between 27-29°C on Saturday. Minimum temperatures were also projected to drop to 13-15°C, compared to Friday’s 16°C.#delhi #india_meteorological_department #central_pollution_control_board #mahesh_palawat #skymet_weather
