Delhi has seen a comparatively calmer April 2026, with rain and gusty winds keeping pollution and mercury levels lower than in recent years. The mean maximum temperature was 37 °C, down from 39 °C in April 2025 and still above the long‑term average of 36.5 °C.
Average air quality index (AQI) for the month stood at 179.4, a decline from 213 in April 2025 and 182 in April 2024. Four rainy days between 1 and 8 April kept temperatures below normal, after which mercury surged above 40 °C on 16 April for the first time this year. The mercury peaked at 42.8 °C on 24 April, the hottest day in four years.
Delhi logged nine days with temperatures exceeding 40 °C, including a citywide heatwave declared on 24 April. Isolated heatwave events occurred on two other days, while the end of the month saw a rebound in rain and overcast skies, dropping temperatures below 40 °C on 28 April.
Night temperatures were lower this April, with a mean minimum of 20.9 °C versus 22 °C last April. However, a record‑high nocturnal temperature of 28.4 °C was recorded at Safdarjung on Tuesday, 4.6 °C above normal.
Rainfall totals reached 30 mm so far in April, making it the wettest April since 2008; in comparison, April 2025 received only 0.7 mm against a normal of 16.3 mm. Safdarjung station logged 1.8 mm of rain by 8:30 am on Wednesday.
Weather forecasts predict rain and gusty winds up to 50 km/h on Wednesday night and Thursday, which should aid in dispersing pollutants.
Dust and ozone were the chief pollutants this month, with clear, dust‑free conditions enhancing ozone penetration during daylight.
Source: Times of India, Reported by Priyangi Agarwal, 30 April 2026, 06:57 IST.
