Delhi Registers Warmest October Month Since 1951

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Friday that October 2024 has officially become the warmest October after 1951 regarding both Maximum and Minimum temperatures in Safdarjung, New Delhi. 

According to the IMD, this month, an average maximum temperature of 35.1 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 21.2 degrees Celsius were recorded over Safdarjung. 

In 1907, the maximum temperature was 35.5 degrees Celsius; in 1930, it was 35.0 degrees Celsius; in 1938, it recorded 35.0 degrees Celsius; in 1941, it recorded 35.8 degrees Celsius; and in 1951, it recorded 36.2 degrees Celsius, respectively. 

Delhi recorded a jump in pollution levels, and a smoky haze returned on Friday morning after residents flouted the ban on firecrackers on Diwali night. Most areas in the capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) over 350, raising health concerns for residents. 

At around 7 a.m., Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 395, Aya Nagar stood at 352, Jahangirpuri at 390, and Dwarka at 376. All these areas reported ‘very poor’ air quality levels, which pose significant health risks.

The pollution issue wasn’t limited to Delhi; several other cities across India, including metropolises like Chennai and Mumbai, reported similar conditions, with smog and poor air quality affecting large areas. The CPCB data shows significant pollution levels, especially after Diwali celebrations, raising concerns about air quality and potential health impacts nationwide.