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Weather Update: Delhi wakes up to a hazy Sunday as Diwali approaches. Air quality remains a growing concern- experts warn of worsening conditions. How safe is it to step outside today? Find out before the festival celebrations begin.
Air quality remains a growing concern.
New Delhi: The national capital woke up to a mild and hazy Sunday morning on October 19, with temperatures hovering around 22 °C at 7:30 am. The city is likely to witness mostly sunny weather through the day, with the mercury rising to a comfortable 32- 33 °C by afternoon. Humidity levels remain low, between 30- 40 percent, typical of Delhi’s post-monsoon season.
As the city enters Diwali week, visibility during the early hours dropped due to smog and stagnant winds, a recurring pre-festival concern. Air quality across the NCR region remains a serious concern.
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The Air Quality Index (AQI) is currently in the ‘very poor’ category and may slide further in the coming days as crop residue burning intensifies in neighbouring states and fireworks add to the pollution load.
Ghaziabad recorded an AQI of 324, placing it in the “very poor” category, while Noida and Gurugram registered 298 and 258, respectively. Experts attribute the sharp decline in air quality to stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and a drop in temperatures that traps pollutants closer to the ground. If current conditions persist, the situation is likely to deteriorate further in the coming days.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has ruled out rain and predicted clear skies till Diwali (October 20). Authorities have urged residents to celebrate responsibly- limiting the use of firecrackers, choosing green alternatives, and wearing masks during morning walks.
With festive gatherings planned across the city, mild evenings around 24 °C will offer some relief despite the smoky air.
Across Uttar Pradesh, the weather remains perfect for Diwali celebrations, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Morning readings stood between 20 °C and 22 °C in Lucknow, Kanpur, and Varanasi, rising to 31–32 °C by afternoon. No rain has been forecast for the next three days, allowing uninterrupted festive preparations across the state.
The IMD notes that dry north-easterly winds will prevail, ensuring good visibility and a dust-free atmosphere in most regions. However, urban centres like Lucknow and Noida may experience moderate air pollution due to increasing vehicular movement and festive fireworks.
Late evenings will turn pleasantly cool at 18–20 °C, offering ideal weather for outdoor markets, fairs, and Diwali night gatherings. The state government has advised citizens to use eco-friendly lights and diyas instead of high-smoke fireworks to maintain air quality during the celebrations.
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In the hills of Uttarakhand, the festive mood blends with the onset of early winter. The morning temperature in Nainital and Mussoorie dipped to 10–12 °C, while Dehradun recorded 16 °C. Days will remain clear and pleasantly sunny, with maximums near 23–24 °C — perfect for Diwali tourists visiting the state’s hill stations.
No rainfall is predicted this week, though slight haze may develop in valleys due to local festivities and bonfires. Nights above 2,000 m elevation could drop to single digits, adding a crisp chill to the festive evenings.
Tourist hotspots are gearing up with eco-friendly lighting and cultural programs, as the weather remains stable and inviting — marking a bright, cool, and pollution-free Diwali for the Himalayan state.
