Weather update in Delhi: The weather in the nation’s capital changed on Tuesday due to a powerful combination of heavy rain and thunderstorms. Pollution did not improve despite the downpour setting a new record for January rainfall in four years. Residents of Delhi had to deal with dangerous air and a sharp cold.
Rainfall in January reaches a four-year high
Delhi saw its greatest January rainfall since 2022, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Tuesday’s 4.2 mm of rain at the Safdarjung base station added to the month’s total precipitation of 24 mm. This comes after a noteworthy 19.8 mm of rain on January 23. For instance, January 8, 2022, still holds the record with 40.6 mm of rain.
The capital’s temperatures plummet
The city felt much colder due to the sudden drop in temperature brought on by the rain.
Maximum Temperature: 5.2 degrees below the seasonal normal, at 16.9°C.
The recorded minimum temperature was 8.0°C. While conditions almost met the requirements for an official “Cold Day,” the IMD observed that an official designation was not possible due to the anticipated increase in temperatures over the following 24 hours. Throughout the day, various weather stations reported varying amounts of rainfall, including Palam, Ridge, Lodhi Road, and Ayanagar.
The paradox: Pollution cannot be removed by rain
unexpectedly, the city’s air remained unclean after the intense downpour. Rather, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped further into the “Very Poor” range.
Average AQI for the entire city: 336
Wazirpur was the most severely affected area, with a “severe” level of 421. Weather to experts, following the rain, low wind speeds and heavy humidity kept contaminants near the ground, keeping the air from clearing.
Forecasts and alerts: What’s coming
After first issuing a red alert, the IMD later reduced it to yellow. They expect that the wet weather will continue.
Forecast for Wednesday: The temperature is expected to stay between 12°C and 18°C.
Pollution outlook: Residents will continue to be at risk for illnesses as the air quality is expected to be in the “Very Poor” range for the next days.
Delhi Weather Update – January 28, 2026
| Parameter | Details / Value |
|---|---|
| Rainfall (Jan 2026) | 4.2 mm on Jan 28 (Safdarjung) Total for month: 24 mm Previous record: 40.6 mm on Jan 8, 2022 |
| Temperature (Jan 28, 2026) | Max: 16.9°C (5.2°C below seasonal normal) Min: 8.0°C Almost qualifies as “Cold Day” |
| Rainfall Stations | Palam, Ridge, Lodhi Road, Ayanagar (varied rainfall amounts reported) |
| Air Quality Index (AQI) | Average Delhi AQI: 336 (Very Poor) Wazirpur AQI: 421 (Severe) |
| Reason for Poor AQI | Low wind speeds + heavy humidity kept pollutants near ground despite rain |
| Weather Alerts | IMD Red Alert → Reduced to Yellow Alert |
| Forecast (Jan 29, 2026) | Temperature: 12°C – 18°C Wet weather expected to continue |
| Health Advisory | Very Poor AQI continues → Risk of illnesses persists |
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