Residents of India's capital welcomed a classic winter morning on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. However, the inviting sunshine belied a serious environmental concern lingering from the previous day.
A Pleasant but Polluted Winter Day
The day began with a cool 16°C and warmed up to a pleasant high of 25.1°C. Meteorologists described it as an ideal sunny winter day, with low humidity at 14% and gentle winds up to 9 km/h. The conditions were perfect for outdoor plans, from morning walks to evening picnics. As night falls, temperatures are expected to dip to around 18°C, with good visibility of 10 km and no rain forecasted.
Severe Air Quality Overshadows Sunny Skies
Despite the beautiful weather, the air quality told a different story. Data sourced from AQI.in revealed that pollution levels from Monday had climbed into the 'severe' category, with an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 336. The concentration of harmful particulate matter was dangerously high.
Key pollutants measured were:
- PM2.5: 184 µg/m³
- PM10: 241 µg/m³
- Carbon Monoxide: 603 µg/m³
All these figures are significantly above safe limits, posing substantial health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. While Tuesday's breeze offered slight dispersion, the residual pollution made protective measures essential.
Health Advisory and Weekly Outlook
Authorities advised citizens to remain cautious. Carrying a mask in high-traffic zones and avoiding strenuous outdoor exercise during peak hours (8–10 AM and 5–7 PM) was strongly recommended. The use of air purifiers indoors was also suggested for vulnerable groups.
Looking ahead, the week promises consistently mild weather, providing a respite from last week's pollution spikes.
The weekly forecast for New Delhi is as follows:
- December 3: High of 24.6°C, Low of ~17°C
- December 4: High of 24.2°C, Low of ~16°C
- December 6: High of 24.6°C, with cool evenings continuing
Daytime temperatures will hover between 23°C and 25°C, with nighttime lows from 14°C to 17°C. The skies will stay clear, with no rainfall expected, making it a suitable week for festive shopping and outdoor holiday planning. While air quality remains a watchpoint, a slight improvement is anticipated as the week progresses.
