Weather Extremes in Delhi: May 2023 Review
NEW DELHI: May 2023 brought a mix of both scorching heat and cleaner air for Delhi, marking it as the hottest May in two years while also recording its best air quality for the same month in five years.
The temperatures soared, with an average high of 39.7 degrees Celsius and a low of 25.8 degrees Celsius. The only hotter May in recent years was in 2024, when temperatures reached a blistering 41.7 degrees Celsius at their peak.
Throughout the month, Delhi experienced changing weather patterns, influenced by frequent western disturbances, which brought cool breezes during the first half of May. However, as these systems weakened, the temperatures climbed sharply, leading to heatwave conditions from May 18 to 21, when some areas saw highs of over 46 degrees Celsius.
Adding to the discomfort were warm nights, with minimum temperatures soaring to 32.8 degrees Celsius on May 26 and even reaching 31.9 degrees Celsius on May 21. These are some of the highest nighttime temperatures recorded in the city in the last 14 years.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) defines a heatwave when daytime temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius and are significantly higher than the average. Nights with temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius and uncomfortably warm minimums are also classified similarly.
In terms of relief, Delhi recorded 17.61 mm of rainfall in May. Towards the end of the month, thunderstorms and gusty winds swept through the city, providing a much-needed break from the relentless heat and playing a crucial role in improving the air quality.
The overall air quality was surprisingly good, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at 161 until May 29, the best figure for May since 2021. Experts highlighted that rainfall helped reduce pollutants, with strong winds dispersing dust and clearing the air.
For context, between May 1 and May 29, Delhi had three days of ‘satisfactory’ air quality, 20 days considered ‘moderate,’ and six days categorized as ‘poor.’ Notably, May 2021 had more poor air quality days than this year.
On May 30, following the rains, Delhi recorded an AQI of 85, marking its cleanest air quality day since 2023.
Looking ahead, weather expert Mahesh Palawat indicated that the first week of June is expected to remain free of heatwave conditions. However, temperatures are anticipated to rise gradually, particularly as the rainy spell weakens and moves away from the region.
