Delhi Records Hottest Day of the Year at 34.8°C, Air Quality Remains Poor

New Delhi: Delhi experienced its highest temperature of the year so far on Tuesday, with the mercury soaring to 34.8 degrees Celsius 6.4 degrees above the seasonal norm, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).  

This surpasses the previous record of 32.8 degrees Celsius, recorded just two days earlier on Sunday. The city’s minimum temperature stood at 15.7 degrees Celsius, while humidity levels fluctuated between 87% and 35% throughout the day.  

Looking ahead, the IMD has predicted strong surface winds during the daytime on Wednesday. The minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to hover around 17 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius, respectively.  

Meanwhile, air quality in the national capital continues to be a concern. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 262, placing it in the ‘poor’ category.  

The AQI scale classifies air quality from ‘good’ (0-50) to ‘severe’ (401-500), with readings between 201 and 300 falling into the ‘poor’ range, which can cause discomfort for sensitive individuals.