If you stepped out on Saturday morning in the national capital, you might have felt the urge to leave your heavy jacket behind. Delhi-NCR is witnessing a distinct and welcome shift in weather patterns as bright sunshine greeted residents, signaling that the biting winter chill is finally starting to fade. However, while the sun is out in full force, the city isn’t quite out of the woods yet regarding pollution, as the region’s air quality remains stuck in the ‘poor’ category.
Mercury Rising: A Warm Farewell to Winter
The transition from the cold grip of January to the pleasant warmth of February is officially underway. Daytime temperatures in Delhi have been steadily climbing, fueled by clear skies and abundant sunshine. According to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the change is becoming statistically visible.
On Friday, the capital recorded a maximum temperature that was 1.5 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average. This uptick is a clear indicator that we are entering a transitional phase. While the mornings are still crisp, the afternoons are becoming increasingly comfortable, prompting many Delhiites to head to parks and open spaces to soak up the winter sun before the intense summer heat sets in later in the year.
Blue Skies, Grey Air: AQI Woes Continue
Despite the visual treat of bright sunshine, the invisible threat of pollution continues to linger over the NCR region. While the fog has dissipated significantly compared to previous weeks, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has not shown a similar improvement. Authorities noted that the air quality persisted in the ‘poor’ category on Saturday.
This creates a paradoxical situation for residents: the weather looks inviting for outdoor activities, but the air quality suggests caution. Experts suggest that while higher temperatures usually help disperse pollutants, calm wind conditions can sometimes trap particulate matter closer to the ground. Residents with respiratory issues or allergies are still advised to keep an eye on real-time pollution data before planning prolonged outdoor exertion.
What the IMD Predicts: The Week Ahead
So, is winter gone for good? The IMD suggests a “slow transition.” We aren’t jumping straight into summer, but the days of shivering in double layers during the afternoon are likely behind us. The meteorological department forecasts that clear and sunny conditions will likely prevail for the next few days, pushing daytime mercury levels slightly higher.
However, night temperatures may still dip, maintaining a significant gap between day and night readings. This fluctuation is typical for February—a month known for its erratic weather swings. Residents should be prepared for this “confused weather” by dressing in layers that can be easily removed as the day warms up.
What’s Next: As we move deeper into February, expect the maximum temperatures to inch closer to the mid-20s (Celsius). While the warmth is welcome, all eyes will remain on the wind speeds, with hopes that a pick-up in breeze will finally flush out the pollutants and bring the AQI down to moderate levels.
Last Updated: 07 February 2026
