Residents of India's capital can step out into pleasant sunshine today, but should remain cautious about lingering pollution. New Delhi is witnessing a bright and comfortable day on Friday, December 5, 2025, with clear skies and no rain predicted. However, health advisories recommend carrying masks due to the severe air quality recorded just a day earlier.
Today's Weather: Perfect for Outdoor Plans
The morning in Delhi began at a cool 13.5°C, offering perfect conditions for a refreshing start. As the day unfolds, the mercury is expected to climb to a pleasant high of 23.4°C. The weather bureau forecasts clear skies throughout, with light winds of up to 8.6 km/h and very low humidity at 19%.
This combination creates a dry and crisp atmosphere, highly suitable for various activities. With excellent visibility stretching to 10 km and zero chance of precipitation, today is ideal for picnics, sightseeing, or simply enjoying the outdoors. As evening approaches, temperatures will dip again, so a light jacket is recommended for those planning late outings.
Air Quality Warning: Shadow of Severe Pollution
Despite the beautiful weather, a significant health concern stems from yesterday's air pollution levels. On Thursday, December 4, New Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) hit a severe level of 315. This alarming reading was driven by high concentrations of harmful pollutants.
The key pollutant levels recorded were:
- PM2.5: 157 µg/m³
- PM10: 205 µg/m³
- Carbon Monoxide (CO): 556 µg/m³
Such severe pollution can cause breathing difficulties for sensitive individuals, including the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing respiratory or heart conditions. It may also lead to throat irritation and itchy eyes for the general public. While today's clearer conditions and winds may help disperse some pollutants, residual effects could persist, especially in high-traffic zones.
Health Recommendations and Weekly Outlook
Given the sunny weather and pollution context, experts offer specific advice for Delhi residents. For afternoon outings, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential due to strong sun exposure. Commuters, especially during peak hours, should wear masks to reduce exposure to dust and pollutants.
Individuals with respiratory issues are advised to stay indoors during early morning and late evening hours when pollution levels can spike. A morning walk is highly beneficial, but carrying a mask for later use is a prudent precaution.
Looking ahead, the upcoming week promises consistently pleasant weather. Daytime temperatures are forecast to rise slightly, ranging from 25.5°C to 27.2°C, while nights will remain cool between 14.5°C and 16.7°C. The skies are expected to stay clear with no rain or snow. Specifically, December 7 and 8 will be slightly warmer, with highs of 26.4°C and 27.2°C respectively, making them perfect for weekend plans.
A Glimmer of Hope in Air Quality Trend
An important observation in the pollution data offers a slight positive note. The severe AQI of 315 recorded on December 4 actually marks an improvement from the previous day, December 3, which saw an even higher AQI of 351. This gradual reduction suggests that prevailing weather conditions might be slowly aiding in dispersing pollutants, though the overall air quality remains in the poor to severe category. Residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions until a sustained improvement is seen.
All weather and air quality data referenced in this report is sourced from AQI.in.
