Delhi Swelters: Hottest July Night in Five Years, Temperatures Soar 3°C Above Normal

New Delhi, July 20: The national capital recorded its warmest July night in five years, with the minimum temperature touching 31 degrees Celsius on Sunday (July 19, 2026), according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The previous highest minimum temperature for July since 2021 was 31.7 degrees Celsius recorded on July 1, 2021. The average minimum temperature for July in Delhi is around 27 degrees Celsius, making Sunday's reading 3.8 notches above the seasonal norm.

The maximum temperature at Safdarjung, Delhi's base weather station, reached 38.3 degrees Celsius, which is 3.1 degrees above the seasonal average. Such high minimum temperatures are a sign of heat stress, as nights offer little respite from the heat.

This is the second time this month that the minimum temperature has touched 31 degrees, the first being on Friday (July 17, 2026).

Among other weather stations in the city, Palam recorded a maximum of 37.6 degrees Celsius, Ayanagar 37.2 degrees, Lodhi Road 36.7 degrees, and Ridge 36.6 degrees. Minimum temperatures at these stations were: Lodhi Road 30 degrees, Ayanagar 29.4 degrees, Palam 29 degrees, and Ridge 27.6 degrees Celsius.

No rainfall was recorded at any of the five observatories between 8.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. on Sunday.

The IMD has forecast a generally cloudy sky with moderate rain on Monday (July 20), with maximum and minimum temperatures expected to be around 36 and 26 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Relative humidity ranged from 68% at 8.30 a.m. to 50% at 5.30 p.m.

Air quality in Delhi remained in the 'moderate' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 169 at 4 p.m., according to the Sameer app. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classifies AQI between 101 and 200 as 'moderate'.