Macao and Hong Kong recorded the hottest October in observation history

On October 30, the weather in Delhi set a new record. The maximum temperature recorded at the Safdarjung weather station was 20.7 degrees Celsius. According to available historical data, this is the lowest maximum temperature for October since 1951, meaning that such a low maximum temperature has not been recorded in October over the past 75 years.

Previously, the record for the lowest maximum temperature in October belonged to October 25, 1975, when the maximum value of 21.5 degrees Celsius was recorded in Safdarjung. However, on October 30, the temperature dropped even lower, surpassing the old record.

Historical data from Safdarjung shows that the new figure of 20.7 degrees Celsius is lower than all previous records. This indicates that the daytime temperature in Delhi remained abnormally low at the end of October.

The maximum temperature is defined as the highest temperature recorded during the day. Usually, the temperature rises during the day, but on October 30, the maximum level in Safdarjung was only 20.7 degrees. Daytime temperature can depend on cloud cover, precipitation, wind direction changes, and other weather factors. Such unusual readings help better understand long-term weather records.

Thus, October 30, 2026, became an important date in Delhi's weather history, as the maximum temperature of 20.7 degrees recorded in Safdarjung is the lowest in October over the last 75 years.

The weather in October has taken on such a cool character that it gives the impression that November has been skipped and December has already arrived. In some areas, temperatures are dropping due to rain, while the cold is intensifying in mountainous regions. The cause of these changes is a weak weather system associated with Cyclone Arnab and an active western disturbance.

According to meteorological service forecasts, rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds are expected in many parts of the country from October 30th until early November. Delhi recorded its coldest October day in four years on Thursday. Furthermore, rain is predicted in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and several southern states.

On Thursday, a significant drop in temperature occurred in Delhi due to rain and cloud cover. The maximum temperature at the Safdarjung weather station reached 25.4 degrees Celsius, which is 6 degrees below normal. The previous day, Wednesday, the maximum temperature was 31.8 degrees Celsius. Earlier, on October 8, 2022, the maximum temperature in Delhi also dropped due to rain, reaching 23.4 degrees Celsius. Thus, Thursday became the coldest October day in four years.

Despite the decrease in daytime temperatures, nighttime temperatures continued to rise. The minimum temperature in Safdarjung was 19.2 degrees Celsius, which is 3 degrees above normal; the previous day it was 15.7 degrees Celsius. This is due to cloud cover. On Thursday, light or very weak rains occurred in different parts of Delhi: 0.5 millimeters fell in Safdarjung, and 1 millimeter fell in Palm. In the Jhorra Kalan area southwest of Delhi, 44 millimeters fell, and in Pitampure, 4 millimeters fell.

The meteorological service reports that light rain and strong winds are also possible in Delhi on October 30th. After this, the weather is expected to improve from October 31st. In the following week, daytime temperatures may rise, while nighttime temperatures will begin to decrease.

According to Mahesh Palawat, Vice President of SkyMet, several weather systems are active simultaneously in North India. The western disturbance is influencing the mountainous regions. Additionally, a cyclonic circulation has formed over northern Haryana. Cyclone Arnab has weakened and turned into a low-pressure area around Chhattisgarh and Odisha. This causes moist air from the Bay of Bengal to move towards North India.

Due to all these factors, cloudiness and rain have been observed in Delhi and other parts of North India. Mahesh Palawat noted that starting from October 31st, the influence of these weather systems will begin to weaken, which may lead to an increase in daytime temperatures. However, there is a possibility of another drop in maximum temperature in the second half of November.

According to IMD, rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds are expected in many states of North India on October 30th. There is also a possibility of hail in some areas. Rain and thunderstorms are possible in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on October 30th. It is forecasted that rains will occur in various places in Himachal Pradesh until November 2nd. In Uttarakhand, heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and lightning may occur in some areas on October 30th.

Rain and strong winds are expected in Punjab on October 30th. Similarly, thunderstorms and strong winds are forecast in Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi, with hail also possible in some places. The weather in Uttar Pradesh will also change. Very heavy rains are possible in eastern Uttar Pradesh until October 30th, and from October 31st to November 4th, rain is expected in various areas. Rains will persist in western Uttar Pradesh until October 30th.

Northern states of East India will also face a rainy season. According to IMD, rain is possible in Bihar until October 30th, with very heavy rain forecasted for northern Bihar on that day. Furthermore, precipitation is expected in various parts of Bihar from October 31st to November 4th.

Jharkhand expects heavy rain on October 30th. In the plains of West Bengal and sub-Himalayan West Bengal, rain is possible until October 31st, after which light to moderate rain is expected in some places in early November. A new rainy period may begin in Odisha from November 1st. The meteorological service warns of possible heavy rain on November 1st, very heavy rain on November 2nd, and heavy rain in some areas on November 3rd. Heavy rains are expected in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on October 31st. Temperature increase is expected in South India in early November.

The influence of cold weather intensified in the capital city of Delhi, as the minimum air temperature reached 15.3 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, October 27. This figure was the lowest recorded in October over the past three years. Previously, on October 27, 2023, the minimum temperature was 15.2 degrees Celsius.

Parallel to the drop in temperature, the air quality in Delhi remains at an average level. According to data from the SAMEER application of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi on Tuesday was 168.

According to meteorological service forecasts, the minimum temperature in the Safdarjung area was 1.9 degrees below normal. The maximum temperature on Tuesday is expected to remain around 31 degrees Celsius. The sky may be covered with clouds during the day, which will lead to a feeling of cold in the morning and at night, while remaining warm during the day.

Temperature readings varied across different areas of Delhi. In Palme, the minimum temperature was 15.5°C, which was 2.3 degrees below normal. Lodhi Road recorded a temperature of 15.6°C, which was 0.4 degrees below the average value. In Ridge, the minimum temperature reached 16.2°C, also 2.3 degrees below normal. In Ayangar, the minimum temperature was 15.2°C, which was 2 degrees below normal. These data indicate that morning temperatures in several areas of Delhi were lower than expected.

The minimum temperature is the lowest reading recorded in a specific place over a 24-hour period. At night, the ground surface cools down, causing a decrease in the surrounding air temperature. In late October, cold weather begins to be felt in Delhi mornings and nights. However, a low morning temperature does not guarantee cold weather throughout the day; the daytime temperature can rise depending on solar activity or cloud cover, explaining the difference between morning and daytime climate.

Against the backdrop of falling temperatures, attention is also being paid to air quality. As shown by the SAMEER CPCB application, the AQI in the capital reached 168 on Tuesday, corresponding to the moderate category. AQI reflects the level of pollution in the atmosphere. According to CPCB, the air is considered good with an AQI value from 0 to 50. The classification scale is as follows: 51 to 100 — satisfactory, 101 to 200 — moderate, 201 to 300 — poor, 301 to 400 — very poor, and 401 to 500 — hazardous.

Thus, an AQI of 168 indicates moderate air quality. At this level, some people may experience breathing difficulties, so people suffering from asthma or lung diseases should exercise extra caution. IMD forecasts suggest that the maximum temperature in Delhi on Tuesday may reach about 31°C, with prevailing cloudiness expected. Although it will be cold in the morning and at night, a temperature increase is predicted over the next six days. Overall, despite the intensification of morning cold, daytime warmth persists, and the average air quality requires public attention.