Unseasonal Rain and Chill Deliver Coldest March in Six Years
After a rare spell of unseasonal rain, strong winds, and overcast skies swept through the capital on Friday morning. The maximum temperature dropped sharply below normal levels at 21.7°C while logging its coldest March day in six years since records began again last year. Simultaneously these favorable meteorological conditions improved air quality to a satisfactory AQI of roughly ninety-three, marking cleanest days for five months and the first time this has occurred recently after persistent pollution episodes earlier today
Key Points
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1Delhi recorded its coldest March in six years on Friday (March 20) with a maximum temperature of just over 9 degrees below normal.
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2Unseasonal rain and strong winds led to the cleanest air quality for five months, resulting in an AQI rating described as 'satisfactory'.
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3The weather conditions were so severe that people had to wrap shawls around themselves even during bathing activities.
Developments
Delhi recorded its first 'satisfactory' air quality in five months with an AQI of 94 on Saturday following a coldest March day since six years ago, while the city also experienced fog and temperatures well below normal forecasts. The India Meteorological Department predicts very light rain accompanied by possible thunderstorms early next week as part of this month's unusually high rainfall trend compared to historical averages for late winter months in Delhi
Delhi recorded its lowest March high of 21.7°C since records began six years ago while achieving a 'satisfactory' AQI of 93, marking cleanest air for that year and only such quality on October 8–9 last month across the region's cities including Gurugram (AQI: 98) to Ghaziabad (maximum temperature at least as low).
Delhi experienced its lowest March maximum temperature on record at 21.7°C due to heavy rainfall from an active western disturbance combined with moisture-laden winds that also improved air quality for the first time this year (AQI of 93). This wettest spring in two years followed a recent heatwave, and while temperatures are expected to rise starting Saturday again rain is forecasted on March 23.