Delhi experienced a significant change in weather on Thursday, October 29, 2026, as rainfall, thunderstorms and persistent cloud cover brought a noticeable drop in daytime temperatures across the national capital. The maximum temperature at Safdarjung, Delhi's base weather station, settled at 25.4 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest October day in four years.

The maximum temperature was 5.6 degrees Celsius below normal, reflecting the impact of the changing weather conditions. The previous comparable low was 23.4 degrees Celsius, recorded on October 8, 2022. The latest reading therefore marked the lowest October daytime maximum recorded in Delhi since that date.

The weather change also brought some relief from pollution. Overnight rain and drizzle helped reduce the concentration of pollutants in the air, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) near India Gate falling to 93. This reading placed the area in the Satisfactory category, offering a temporary improvement after several days of poor air quality.

The change followed an interaction between the remnants of Cyclone Arnab and a western disturbance, which brought rain, thunderstorms and cloud cover to Delhi-NCR. Several parts of the capital received rainfall, including areas around Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station and Jamia Millia Islamia.

While the daytime temperature dropped sharply, cloud cover kept night-time conditions relatively warmer. The minimum temperature at Safdarjung rose to 19.2 degrees Celsius, around 3.1 degrees above normal.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more cloudy weather and light rainfall for Friday, October 30. Conditions are expected to improve from October 31, with mainly clear skies forecast for November 1 and 2.

At the same time, parts of southern India are expected to receive widespread rainfall between November 2 and 4. The weather office has also issued alerts for isolated very heavy rainfall in parts of Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, while Telangana may experience strong winds and thundersqualls.

Delhi's Maximum Temperature Falls to 25.4 Degrees Celsius

The most significant weather development in Delhi on October 29 was the sharp fall in the maximum temperature. The Safdarjung weather station recorded a daytime high of 25.4 degrees Celsius, which was 5.6 degrees below the normal level.

Safdarjung is considered Delhi's base weather station, and its temperature readings are widely used to assess weather conditions in the national capital. The latest reading was particularly notable because it represented the lowest maximum temperature recorded during October in the previous four years.

The earlier comparable reading was 23.4 degrees Celsius on October 8, 2022. Although that temperature was lower than the latest reading, the October 29, 2026, maximum marked the lowest daytime high for the month since the 2022 observation.

The drop in temperature followed rainfall and thunderstorms across Delhi-NCR. Cloud cover remained over the city for an extended period, limiting the amount of sunlight reaching the ground and contributing to lower daytime temperatures.

Rainfall and overcast conditions created a noticeable change from the warmer and more polluted conditions that had been affecting the capital. The showers also brought a cooler atmosphere to several areas, particularly during the night and early morning.

The change was not limited to one isolated part of Delhi. Light to moderate rainfall and overnight drizzle were reported across different locations in the national capital region. Jharoda Kalan recorded rainfall of up to 49 millimetres, according to the reported weather observations.

The combination of rain, thunderstorms and cloud cover played an important role in bringing down the daytime temperature. It also contributed to the improvement in air quality recorded near India Gate.

Why Did Delhi Experience Such a Sharp Temperature Drop?

The change in Delhi's weather followed the interaction between the remnants of Cyclone Arnab and a western disturbance. These weather systems brought rainfall, thunderstorms and persistent cloud cover to the capital.

A western disturbance is associated with changing weather conditions over northern parts of India and can bring cloudiness, rain and thunderstorms. In this instance, its interaction with the remnants of Cyclone Arnab contributed to the spell of unsettled weather across Delhi-NCR.

The resulting cloud cover reduced direct sunshine during the day. Rainfall and drizzle also contributed to the cooling effect, leading to a lower maximum temperature at Safdarjung.

The weather change was therefore different from a typical dry October day, when relatively clearer skies can allow daytime temperatures to remain higher. On October 29, cloud cover and rain limited the rise in temperature.

The overnight showers continued into Friday morning in several parts of the capital. This extended spell of rain helped maintain cooler conditions and also contributed to the reduction in pollutant concentrations.

The weather systems did not only affect the temperature. Their impact was also visible in the air quality reading recorded near India Gate, where the AQI entered the Satisfactory category.

Night Temperature Remains Above Normal Despite Cooler Day

Although Delhi recorded its coldest October daytime high in four years, the minimum temperature did not fall in the same way.

At Safdarjung, the minimum temperature was recorded at 19.2 degrees Celsius, which was around 3.1 degrees above normal. This meant that nights remained relatively warmer despite the sharp reduction in the daytime maximum.

Persistent cloud cover played an important role in this difference between daytime and night-time temperatures. Clouds can limit the loss of heat from the surface during the night, keeping temperatures comparatively higher.

As a result, Delhi experienced a cooler day but relatively warmer night-time conditions. The maximum temperature of 25.4 degrees Celsius and minimum temperature of 19.2 degrees Celsius reflected the influence of the unsettled weather.

This contrast was an important feature of the October 29 weather conditions. The fall in daytime temperature was significant, but it did not mean that the entire day-night temperature range had shifted towards colder conditions.

The rainfall and cloud cover therefore produced a combination of lower daytime temperatures and a relatively elevated night-time minimum.

Jharoda Kalan Records Up to 49 mm Rainfall

Rainfall was reported across several locations in Delhi-NCR during the spell of unsettled weather. Among the locations mentioned in the report, Jharoda Kalan recorded up to 49 mm of rainfall.

The showers were part of the rain and thunderstorm activity associated with the interaction between the remnants of Cyclone Arnab and the western disturbance.

Rainfall was also reported during Thursday night and Friday morning. Areas around Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station and Jamia Millia Islamia experienced showers, indicating that the wet weather continued across different parts of the capital.

The rainfall brought down ambient temperatures and helped dilute pollutant concentrations. It therefore had an impact on both the weather and the air quality situation.

However, rainfall amounts can vary from one locality to another. The 49 mm observation at Jharoda Kalan should not be treated as the rainfall total for the entire city.

Different areas may have experienced different levels of rain depending on the movement and intensity of the showers. The reported observations nevertheless indicate that Delhi-NCR received a notable spell of rainfall during the period.

India Gate AQI Falls to 93, Enters Satisfactory Category

One of the most important developments after the rainfall was the improvement in air quality near India Gate.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI near India Gate fell to 93, placing it in the Satisfactory category. This was a welcome change after several days when air quality readings had remained in the Poor category.

The AQI is used to communicate the level of air pollution through a numerical reading and corresponding category. A reading of 93 falls within the Satisfactory range of 51 to 100.

The improvement followed overnight rain and drizzle, which helped dilute pollutant concentrations in the atmosphere. Rainfall can remove some suspended particles from the air, contributing to a temporary improvement in local air quality.

The India Gate reading therefore reflected the immediate impact of the wet weather on pollution levels in that area.

However, it is important to understand that the AQI of 93 was recorded near India Gate. It does not represent the air quality across the entire national capital.

Air quality can vary across different parts of a large city because pollution levels depend on local traffic, emissions, weather conditions and other factors. A satisfactory reading at one monitoring location does not automatically mean that every area of Delhi has reached the same category.

The reading should therefore be understood as a local improvement rather than confirmation that pollution has been eliminated across the capital.

What Does an AQI of 93 Mean?

An AQI reading of 93 falls in the Satisfactory category, which covers readings between 51 and 100.

The reported improvement near India Gate was significant because the area had experienced several days of poorer air quality before the rainfall. The fall to 93 indicated that the air quality at that monitoring location had improved following the showers.

The AQI category provides a simplified way for people to understand air pollution levels. A lower reading generally indicates better air quality, while higher readings indicate greater pollution.

The Satisfactory classification was therefore a positive development for the India Gate area. However, the reading was not a citywide average and should not be interpreted as the air quality status of every locality.

Rainfall can offer temporary relief by reducing the concentration of suspended pollutants. However, the improvement may not necessarily remain for a long period if emissions and other pollution sources continue.

The latest reading highlights the role of weather conditions in influencing air quality. It also shows why pollution levels can change over relatively short periods when rainfall, wind and atmospheric conditions shift.

Rain Provides Temporary Relief From Delhi Pollution

Delhi has been experiencing concerns over air pollution, and the latest rainfall brought some relief to the capital. The AQI near India Gate dropped to 93 after several days of Poor air quality readings.

The overnight showers helped dilute pollutant concentrations, while the change in weather brought cooler conditions across the city.

The improvement was especially noticeable because pollution and weather conditions are closely connected. Rain can help remove some pollutants suspended in the atmosphere, while wind and other weather factors can influence how pollutants disperse.

In the latest instance, the rain and drizzle coincided with a fall in the local AQI reading. This created a temporary improvement near India Gate.

However, the report does not establish that the entire city experienced the same level of improvement. The AQI reading of 93 was specific to the monitoring location near India Gate.

Residents should therefore avoid assuming that the air quality has become uniformly satisfactory across Delhi simply because one monitoring station recorded a reading in that category.

The rainfall has provided some relief, but continued monitoring remains important. Air quality can change as weather conditions shift and local pollution sources continue to operate.

IMD Forecasts More Rain for Delhi on October 30

The India Meteorological Department has forecast generally cloudy skies over Delhi for Friday, October 30, 2026.

The weather office has predicted very light to light rainfall, along with isolated thunderstorms. This indicates that the unsettled weather may continue for at least part of Friday.

The forecast follows the rainfall and thunderstorm activity recorded on October 29 and during the overnight period. With clouds expected to remain over the capital, weather conditions may continue to differ from the usual clearer conditions associated with the later part of October.

Students, office workers and commuters may therefore experience cloudy conditions and occasional showers during the day. The forecast, however, describes the expected weather pattern and does not mean that every part of Delhi will receive rainfall at the same time.

The IMD forecast is important because it provides an indication of how the weather may develop after the coldest October day in four years.

The expected rain on October 30 may continue to influence local temperatures and air quality. However, the extent of any further change will depend on the actual rainfall and atmospheric conditions.

Delhi Weather Forecast for October 31

The weather is expected to begin improving from Saturday, October 31, according to the IMD forecast.

The department has predicted partly cloudy skies, with no weather warning in place for the day. This suggests a gradual move away from the rain and thunderstorm conditions observed on October 29 and forecast for October 30.

The expected improvement means that rainfall activity is likely to reduce over the capital as the weekend begins.

The absence of a weather warning also indicates that no specific warning has been issued for Delhi in the forecast described in the report.

Residents can continue monitoring the latest weather updates, particularly if they are planning outdoor activities or travel. Weather conditions may differ across localities, and the latest forecast should be checked for any changes.

Mainly Clear Skies Expected on November 1 and 2

The IMD forecast points towards more stable weather conditions in Delhi on November 1 and 2.

The department has predicted mainly clear skies on both days, with a green weather code across all districts. This marks a change from the cloudy and rainy conditions expected on October 30.

The forecast suggests that the national capital may experience more settled weather as November begins.

The green code across the districts indicates that no significant weather warning has been highlighted for the period covered by the forecast.

The expected improvement follows the interaction of the remnants of Cyclone Arnab and a western disturbance, which brought rain and thunderstorms to the capital.

The forecast for November 1 and 2 is therefore important for residents looking to understand how long the unsettled weather may continue.

While the October 29 temperature drop and improvement in local air quality attracted attention, the coming days are expected to bring a shift towards clearer conditions.

Delhi's Weather Change and Its Impact on Daily Activities

The sudden change in weather can affect daily activities across the national capital. Rainfall, thunderstorms and cloud cover can influence road conditions, commuting time and outdoor plans.

On October 29, rainfall and overnight drizzle were reported in several parts of Delhi-NCR. Showers continued into Friday morning, including around Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station and Jamia Millia Islamia.

Such conditions can affect commuters, especially during periods of heavy traffic. Wet roads and intermittent showers may require people to plan their journeys carefully.

The forecast of very light to light rain and isolated thunderstorms on October 30 means that residents should remain attentive to local weather conditions.

The improvement expected from October 31, followed by mainly clear skies on November 1 and 2, may provide more stable conditions for outdoor activities.

The weather change also has an impact on how people perceive the transition from October to November. The unusually low daytime maximum of 25.4 degrees Celsius marked a notable departure from the recent conditions in the capital.

Southern India Braces for Widespread Rainfall

While Delhi is expected to move towards clearer skies over the weekend, several parts of southern India are likely to experience widespread rainfall in the coming days.

According to the IMD forecast, fairly widespread to widespread rainfall is expected over Coastal Karnataka, Kerala, South Interior Karnataka, Telangana and Coastal Andhra Pradesh between November 2 and 4.

The forecast indicates that rainfall activity will extend across several states and regions in southern India.

The weather situation in the south is therefore expected to be different from the improving conditions forecast for Delhi. While the national capital may see mainly clear skies by November 1 and 2, parts of southern India could receive widespread showers during the same period.

The forecast also includes alerts for isolated very heavy rainfall in parts of Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam.

Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on Alert for Very Heavy Rainfall

The IMD has forecast isolated very heavy rainfall over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on November 2 and 3.

The alert indicates the possibility of intense rainfall in isolated locations within these areas. It does not mean that every part of Coastal Andhra Pradesh or Yanam will receive very heavy rain.

Residents in the affected areas should follow the latest weather updates and local advisories issued by the authorities.

Very heavy rainfall can create challenging conditions for road travel and outdoor activities, particularly in locations that receive concentrated showers.

The forecast period is important because rainfall activity is expected to increase across several parts of southern India between November 2 and 4.

The weather office's alert for Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam highlights the possibility of particularly intense rainfall in some locations during the period.

Telangana May Experience Gusty Winds up to 60 kmph

Apart from rainfall, Telangana is expected to experience strong gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 60 kilometres per hour, along with thundersqualls.

This is an important part of the IMD forecast because the expected weather conditions may include both rain and strong winds.

Gusty winds can affect outdoor activities and create difficulties for people travelling during periods of intense weather. Thundersqualls may also bring sudden changes in wind speed and weather conditions.

Residents should therefore pay attention to local forecasts and official advisories during the expected period of weather activity.

The forecast of winds up to 60 kmph is specific to the expected conditions in Telangana and should not be treated as a prediction for every southern state mentioned in the wider rainfall forecast.

Delhi and Southern India Face Different Weather Conditions

The latest forecast highlights two different weather patterns across the country.

Delhi experienced a sharp temperature drop after rain and thunderstorms, with the maximum temperature falling to 25.4 degrees Celsius on October 29. The city is expected to receive more light rain on October 30, followed by partly cloudy skies on October 31 and mainly clear conditions on November 1 and 2.

In contrast, several parts of southern India are expected to receive widespread rainfall between November 2 and 4. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam are on alert for isolated very heavy rainfall, while Telangana may experience gusty winds and thundersqualls.

This difference shows how weather conditions can vary significantly across regions during the same period.

For Delhi, the immediate focus is on the cooler weather and temporary improvement in air quality. For southern India, the main concern is the forecast of widespread rain and potentially intense weather in some areas.

Key Weather Highlights for October 30 and the Coming Days

The main developments from the latest weather update can be summarised as follows:

• October 29: Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 25.4 degrees Celsius, the lowest October daytime high in four years.

• Safdarjung temperature: The maximum was 5.6 degrees below normal, while the minimum was 19.2 degrees Celsius.

• Rainfall: Showers and thunderstorms affected Delhi-NCR, with Jharoda Kalan recording up to 49 mm.

• India Gate AQI: The local AQI fell to 93, entering the Satisfactory category.

• October 30: The IMD forecast generally cloudy skies, very light to light rain and isolated thunderstorms.

• October 31: Partly cloudy skies are expected, with no weather warning.

• November 1 and 2: Mainly clear skies and stable weather conditions are forecast for Delhi.

• November 2 to 4: Widespread rainfall is expected over several parts of southern India.

• Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam: Isolated very heavy rainfall is forecast for November 2 and 3.

• Telangana: Gusty winds of up to 60 kmph and thundersqualls are expected.

These developments provide an overview of the changing weather conditions across the capital and parts of southern India.

Conclusion: Rain Brings Cooler Weather and Temporary Pollution Relief to Delhi

Delhi recorded its coldest October day in four years on October 29, 2026, as rain, thunderstorms and persistent cloud cover brought down the daytime temperature. The maximum temperature at Safdarjung settled at 25.4 degrees Celsius, which was 5.6 degrees below normal and the lowest October maximum since the 23.4-degree reading recorded on October 8, 2022.

The rainfall also brought temporary relief from pollution. The AQI near India Gate dropped to 93, placing it in the Satisfactory category after several days of Poor air quality. However, this was a reading for the India Gate monitoring location and should not be treated as the AQI for the entire city.

The IMD has forecast more cloudy weather, very light to light rain and isolated thunderstorms for October 30. Conditions are expected to improve from October 31, with mainly clear skies forecast for November 1 and 2.

Meanwhile, parts of southern India are expected to receive widespread rainfall between November 2 and 4. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam face the possibility of isolated very heavy rainfall on November 2 and 3, while Telangana may experience gusty winds of up to 60 kmph and thundersqualls.

The latest update therefore brings two important weather developments: cooler conditions and temporary air quality relief in Delhi, and a forecast of widespread rainfall across parts of southern India. Residents should continue following official IMD updates as weather conditions develop over the coming days.