New Delhi weather today: Sunny skies, mild temperatures; AQI remains poor

New Delhi is set for a bright, sunny Thursday, January 22, 2026, with temperatures rising from a cool 12.2°C to a comfortable 24.6°C and no rain expected, offering favorable conditions for daily activities, though persistent "very poor" air quality from yesterday remains a significant health concern, prompting advice for masks and midday outdoor planning, while the week ahead forecasts moderate rain on Friday and patchy showers later, with a cooler Saturday and a warm, sunny Monday.

New Delhi is preparing for Thursday, January 22, 2026. The day is shaping up to be a bright winter day.
Clear skies are forecast for the city. Comfortable sunshine is expected to last through the afternoon hours.
Temperatures are projected to climb significantly. They are expected to reach around 24.6°C.
This follows a cool start to the day. Morning temperatures are anticipated to be near 12.2°C.
There is no rain expected today. This condition makes it a smooth day for commuting and errands across the city.
The day will begin on the cooler side. New Delhi should warm up steadily under the sunny conditions.
The expected daytime temperature range spans from 12.2°C to 24.6°C. The average temperature for the entire day is projected to be near 17.8°C.
Humidity levels will remain relatively low. They are forecast at about 36%.
This specific condition usually contributes to the sunshine feeling more comfortable. It helps avoid a sticky sensation.
Winds are expected to be moderate throughout the day. Gusts are anticipated to reach speeds of up to roughly 15.1 km/h.
These moderate winds are sufficient to take the edge off the midday warmth. However, the wind strength is not expected to be strong enough to disrupt daily plans.
A 0% chance of rain is predicted for today. Strong visibility is also forecast, estimated at approximately 10 kilometers.
The overall weather setup looks favorable for various outdoor activities. These include outdoor work, school runs, and daytime travel.
Hourly shifts in temperature and weather conditions will not be dramatic today. The main change residents will feel is described as the classic January swing.
This pattern involves a cool morning period. It then gives way to a warm, bright afternoon.
A quicker drop in temperature is expected to occur after sunset. Sunset is officially scheduled for 5:52 PM.
Individuals planning to stay out late are advised to carry a light layer. This is recommended for the post-evening chill.

Air Quality Concerns

Air quality, however, remains a significant concern for the city. Yesterday’s pollution levels sat in the “very poor” range.
This level of pollution can still linger into today. This persistence occurs despite the sunny weather conditions.
If stepping out early, the morning offers a pleasant environment for a walk. However, considering the use of a mask on busy roads is recommended. This is a precautionary measure.
Yesterday, Wednesday, January 21, New Delhi recorded a specific AQI (India) value. The reading was 360.
This measurement placed the air quality in Category 5: Very Poor.
On the US scale, the Air Quality Index stood at 333. This figure also represents a serious health concern for residents.
The dominant pollutants in the air were recorded at high levels. PM2.5 was specifically recorded at 219.
PM10 was measured at 287. Carbon monoxide (CO) levels reached 495.
"In practical terms, that kind of air can trigger throat irritation, coughing, headaches, and breathlessness, especially for children, older adults, and anyone with asthma or heart conditions. Even healthy people often feel it during peak traffic hours."
"Will today’s weather help? Sunshine and a bit of breeze can offer slight relief locally, but without rain (which helps “wash out” particles), pollution can remain stubborn, especially in the mornings and evenings when cooler air tends to trap pollutants closer to the ground. In short: today looks great, but the air may not."
For those heading out in the afternoon, sunglasses and water are genuinely useful items. Temperatures ranging from 24–25°C can feel warmer when exposed to direct sun.
For engaging in exercise, midday is typically considered a better time. This is in comparison to early morning hours.
Pollution levels are often higher during the early morning period. Choosing parks located away from main arterial roads is also advisable. This recommendation applies to outdoor activities.
Commuters should consider wearing a well-fitted mask. This practice is particularly important around congested corridors and bus stops.
Keeping vehicle windows up in slow traffic is recommended when possible. If individuals are sensitive to pollution, planning indoor work for the evening hours is suggested. This advice applies after any outdoor exposure.

Week Ahead Forecast

Looking beyond today, Friday, January 23, marks a significant change in the weather pattern. Moderate rain is expected to occur on this specific day.
Approximately 15.76 millimeters of rain is forecast to fall. The high temperature for Friday will be near 19°C.
This anticipated rain could temporarily improve the air quality. However, it will also result in wet roads. This condition may lead to slower traffic.
Saturday, January 24, will see the skies turn overcast. Temperatures will be notably cooler at night. They are expected to dip to around 8.4°C.
Sunday, January 25, and Monday, January 26, are expected to see a return to sunny conditions. Monday will specifically warm back up to around 21.3°C.
Monday is considered a strong candidate for being the best outdoor day of the upcoming week.
By Tuesday, January 27, and Wednesday, January 28, the weather forecast shifts again. Patchy rain is expected to occur nearby on these specific days.
Small rainfall totals are predicted for these days. Specifically, 1.61 millimeters on Tuesday and 2.05 millimeters on Wednesday.
High humidity is also expected to rise. It is forecast to reach around 75% by Wednesday.
Residents are advised to maintain flexible plans. This recommendation applies to late-week outings.
"Data referenced in this article is taken from AQI.in."