New Delhi, June 1 — After an unusually hot start to the year, Delhiites have found some respite in recent weeks, thanks to a series of weather disturbances. Now, forecasts suggest that the first week of June may also continue to bring relief from scorching heat, with cloudy skies, light rains, and occasional dust storms.
Cooler May, Unseasonal Relief
May 2025 brought a significant shift in Delhi’s weather pattern. While January to April saw above-normal temperatures, the capital began to cool down in May due to frequent Western Disturbances, cyclonic circulations, and low-pressure systems. As a result, Delhi’s average maximum temperature for May dipped 2.5°C below normal, making it one of the more tolerable pre-monsoon months in recent years.
What to Expect in June’s First Week?
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that weather conditions like overcast skies, mild thunder, dust storms, and light showers will persist through the first week of June. These conditions are likely to keep maximum temperatures below 40°C, which is unusual for the national capital at this time of the year.
On Saturday evening, a dust storm swept through parts of Delhi, bringing temperatures down by over 8°C. Palam recorded wind speeds up to 56 km/h, while the Safdarjung Observatory noted a maximum temperature of 39.7°C, slightly below the seasonal norm. The minimum temperature was recorded at 25.8°C, also lower than average.
Forecast for Sunday
Sunday is expected to remain partly to mostly cloudy, with maximum and minimum temperatures around 38°C and 27°C, respectively. While not exactly cold, these temperatures are still below the typical early-June scorchers Delhi is known for.
Pollution Back in Focus
However, the cool breeze came with a catch. The dust storm significantly worsened Delhi’s air quality. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) shot up to 241 on Saturday, putting it in the “Poor” category. Just a day earlier, the AQI was a healthier 167, marking a sharp 74-point spike in 24 hours.
CPCB categorizes air quality as follows:
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0–50: Good
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51–100: Satisfactory
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101–200: Moderate
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201–300: Poor
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301–400: Very Poor
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401–500: Severe
Pollution levels are expected to remain in the “Poor” range over the next two days, especially with continuing dust in the air.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.