Delhi nears 40°C as rain takes a break

• Delhi expects a warm, dry day with highs of 38°C on Monday.
• Strong winds of 20-30 kmph may provide relief from the heat.
• AQI hit 261 as dust-laden winds from abroad cause poor air quality.

Delhi Weather Today: Delhi is set for another warm and largely dry day on Monday, July 13, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting partly

cloudy skies, strong surface winds and a maximum temperature of up to 38 degrees Celsius. After last week's heavy monsoon spell, rainfall activity has weakened, with the city likely to remain largely dry over the coming days. The IMD has forecast strong surface winds of 20-30 kmph during the day, occasionally gusting up to 40 kmph, which may provide some relief from the heat despite rising daytime temperatures.

Delhi Weather Today: Strong Winds, Dry Conditions To Continue

According to the IMD, Delhi will witness partly cloudy skies throughout Monday, with no significant rainfall expected.

The maximum temperature is likely to remain between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius, while the minimum is expected to hover between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius.

On Sunday, Safdarjung recorded a maximum temperature of 36.8 degrees Celsius, 1.3 notches above normal, while the minimum settled at 28.3 degrees Celsius. Humidity fluctuated between 64 per cent in the morning and 52 per cent by evening, making conditions warm and humid.

Weather stations across the capital recorded:

• Lodhi Road: 37°C
• Palam: 36.6°C
• Ridge: 36°C
• Ayanagar: 36.2°C

Delhi Weather Today: Mercury To Rise Further This Week

The IMD's latest seven-day forecast indicates that Delhi is likely to experience a gradual rise in temperatures, with daytime highs expected to reach 37-39 degrees Celsius from July 15 onwards.

The forecast predicts:

• July 14: Partly cloudy skies; 36-38°C
• July 15: Partly cloudy; 37-39°C
• July 16: Partly cloudy; 37-39°C
• July 17: Partly cloudy; 37-39°C
• July 18: Partly cloudy; 37-39°C

No widespread rainfall has been forecast during this period, indicating a temporary pause in monsoon activity over the national capital.

Delhi Weather Today: AQI Falls Into 'Poor' Category

While rain has eased, air quality has deteriorated sharply. Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) rose to 261 on Sunday, entering the 'poor' category for the first time in nearly three months. It was also the highest reading since April 17, when the AQI stood at 263.

According to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the deterioration was caused by dust-laden winds originating from Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan, which transported large quantities of mineral dust into northwestern India, including Delhi. Strong winds across the Indo-Gangetic Plain further elevated PM10 concentrations.

The CAQM has clarified that GRAP Stage-I restrictions will not be imposed as the pollution spike is due to transboundary dust rather than local emissions. However, civic agencies have been directed to intensify dust-control measures across the city.

Residents, especially children, senior citizens and people with respiratory ailments, are advised to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure until air quality improves later this week.