Residents of New Delhi woke up to a pleasant morning on Wednesday, December 18, 2025, with partly cloudy skies and a comfortable temperature forecast. However, the city continues to grapple with the severe after-effects of yesterday's hazardous air pollution, creating a stark contrast between the agreeable weather and the unhealthy atmosphere.
Today's Weather: A Deceptive Calm
The capital is set to experience a dry day with a high of 24.8°C and a nighttime low of 15.6°C. The morning conditions are crisp and ideal for a walk, with minimal cloud cover and a gentle breeze averaging 12.2 km/h. Humidity is expected to stay low at 28%, enhancing the dry comfort. There is no prediction of rain, and the evening will cool down significantly, perfect for outdoor dining.
Despite the calm winds and mild temperatures, the weather conditions are not conducive to dispersing pollutants. The late afternoon may feel slightly warm under the partial cloud cover, but the primary concern remains invisible.
The Severe Air Quality Hangover
The clear skies belie a serious environmental health issue. Tuesday, December 17, recorded severely polluted air with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 371. This marked the third-worst air quality day of the month, highlighting a persistent crisis.
The air was laden with dangerous levels of particulate matter. The concentration of PM2.5 was 214 µg/m³, while PM10 reached 286 µg/m³. Both values far exceed the safe limits prescribed by health authorities. This pollution can lead to respiratory problems and aggravate conditions for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing illnesses.
Although today's AQI reading is not specified, the dry and lightly windy conditions mean pollutants like haze and dust may still linger in many areas, especially during peak traffic hours.
Essential Health Precautions for Delhiites
Given the lingering pollution, citizens are advised to take proactive measures:
- Limit prolonged outdoor exposure, particularly during morning and evening rush hours.
- Wear a protective mask (N95/KN95 recommended) when venturing outside, especially in high-traffic zones.
- For necessary outdoor activities, use sunglasses and sunscreen during sunny afternoon patches.
- Plan evening strolls in less congested parts of the city and carry a light jacket for the cool temperatures.
Stable and Pleasant Week Ahead
The forecast for the rest of the week offers a silver lining for weather enthusiasts. New Delhi can expect stable conditions with a mix of sun and partial clouds.
Daytime temperatures will range between 24°C and 28°C, while nights will stay cool between 15°C and 18°C. The weekend is set to be warmer, with December 22 reaching 27.2°C and December 23 peaking at 28°C. Light winds will continue, and no rainfall is in sight, making the entire week suitable for outdoor plans.
December 23, Sunday, is highlighted as the best day for a picnic or a visit to local markets, thanks to the warm temperature and expected sunshine.
The data referenced in this report is sourced from AQI.in. The ongoing disparity between pleasant temperatures and severe pollution underscores the need for sustained vigilance and action on air quality management in the national capital.
