Delhi's August weather has been marked by a mix of heavy rainfall, unusually warm temperatures and relatively higher pollution levels, with the capital recording above-normal rain as well as its highest average August AQI in three years.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Safdarjung has received 653.9 mm of rainfall since the start of the monsoon season, against the long-period average of 506.7 mm. This amounts to a surplus of 147.2 mm, or 29 per cent.
August was particularly wet. Safdarjung recorded 354.1 mm during the month against the normal 222.9 mm, marking a 59 per cent surplus.
The city also saw its wettest first week of August in 15 years, with 127 mm of rain recorded between August 1 and 7. On August 25, Safdarjung received 99.1 mm in 24 hours, the highest rainfall recorded for an August day in two years.
Rainfall was above normal at other stations too. The Ridge recorded a 63 per cent seasonal surplus, while Ayanagar was 59 per cent above normal.
Temperatures stay high despite showers
The frequent rain did not bring down temperatures significantly.
The average maximum temperature at Safdarjung up to August 29 stood at 34.1 degrees Celsius, the highest in two years. The previous higher figure was recorded in 2023, at 35.4 degrees Celsius.
The average minimum temperature was 26.8 degrees Celsius, matching the figure recorded in 2023 and remaining the highest since that year. The last higher average minimum was 27.3 degrees Celsius in 2018.
August AQI highest in three years
Air quality also remained relatively elevated compared with recent Augusts.
An analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air found that Delhi's average AQI for 28 days of August stood at 92, the highest since 2023.
Despite this, 19 of the 28 days were classified as satisfactory, while nine were in the moderate category.
The month's maximum AQI reached 129, also the highest since 2023, when the maximum stood at 186.