Delhi’s Warmest October in 73 Years

By: Damini Mehta

In a comparison of historical data, only a few Octobers have recorded similarly high temperatures. For instance, Delhi recorded 35.5°C in 1907, 35.0°C in both 1930 and 1938, and 36.2°C in 1951.

Delhi’s October 2024 became the hottest in 73 years, setting new temperature records as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Average maximum temperatures reached 35.1°C, while minimum temperatures recorded were 21.2°C, according to IMD’s Safdarjung weather station, which is recognized as Delhi’s official weather record. This October now stands as the warmest since 1951 in both daytime and nighttime temperatures.

In a comparison of historical data, only a few Octobers have recorded similarly high temperatures. For instance, Delhi recorded 35.5°C in 1907, 35.0°C in both 1930 and 1938, and 36.2°C in 1951. In terms of nighttime warmth, only October 1951 comes close, with the highest minimum temperature at 22.3°C, comparable to October 1915. These unusual temperature levels have left Delhi without the cooler nights typical of October, while the lack of rain, which is normally around 15.1 mm, further exacerbated the problem. This absence of rainfall contributed not only to high temperatures but also to an increase in pollutants as no rains helped disperse them.

Adding to the city’s discomfort, Delhi faced an alarming rise in pollution levels, worsened by the Diwali celebrations where residents reportedly flouted the ban on firecrackers. The city woke up to a thick smoky haze post-Diwali, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 350 in many areas. Safdarjung recorded AQI levels at around 317, while Anand Vihar reported 395, Aya Nagar stood at 352, Jahangirpuri at 390, and Dwarka at 376, all indicating “very poor” air quality that poses serious health risks. The pollution situation was especially challenging for daily commuters and outdoor exercisers.  The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) confirmed that Diwali celebrations significantly contributed to rising pollutant levels nationwide, raising concerns about post-Diwali air quality and its potential health effects.

Looking back at historical data, October’s temperatures in Delhi show a warming trend, with 2024’s figures reinforcing the city’s vulnerability to climate change. The lack of rainfall combined with high temperatures has intensified concerns over air quality, leading to both immediate and long-term health risks for residents.