New Delhi, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, is experiencing a bright and sunny winter day with comfortable afternoon temperatures expected to reach a peak of 20.4°C, following a cooler morning low of 9.1°C. However, air quality remains a significant concern as yesterday’s “Severe” pollution levels, recorded at AQI (India) 349, are anticipated to persist, prompting recommendations for mask usage when outdoors despite the clear skies.The day begins with a bright, winter-sunny note across New Delhi. The forecast indicates firmly sunny conditions throughout the day, bringing comfortable afternoon warmth after a distinctly cooler morning and night.Today’s temperatures in New Delhi are set to range from about 9.1°C in the morning to a pleasant 20.4°C at the peak, with an average near 14°C. Humidity remains relatively low for Delhi winters at roughly 32%, which is expected to make the sunshine feel comfortable rather than sticky. Winds are light to moderate, topping out near 12.6 km/h, and there is no rain expected, with a 0% chance.Air quality, however, remains a notable challenge for the day. Yesterday’s pollution sat in the “Severe” bracket, and these conditions can still linger into today. Therefore, if stepping out early, it is sensible to keep a mask handy even if the skies appear crystal clear.Because the overall forecast is steady “Sunny,” the main shift through the day will be temperature rather than conditions. Residents can expect the coldest feel around early morning, followed by a quick warm-up under direct sun by late morning, and then a noticeable cool-down after sunset. Sunrise is at 7:15 AM and sunset at 5:44 PM, indicating that the evening chill will arrive early, making a light layer advisable if planning to be out after office hours.Monday’s air quality in New Delhi was recorded at AQI (India) 349 — “Severe”, with AQI (US) 319. These levels are typically linked to breathing discomfort for many people and heightened risk for sensitive groups. The main culprits were high particulate levels, with PM2.5 at 209 and PM10 at 277. Both figures are consistent with the kind of dense winter pollution Delhi often sees when emissions get trapped closer to the ground. Carbon monoxide (CO) was measured at 223, adding to the overall atmospheric load.
Air Quality and Weather Interaction
The impact of today’s weather on air quality, sunshine helps in a limited way.“People often assume a blue sky means clean air, but Delhi’s winter pollution can remain high even on bright days.”With light winds and no rain to “wash out” particles, there may not be a dramatic natural cleanup.
Health Advisory
For individuals with specific health conditions, caution is advised. If you have asthma, allergies, sinus trouble, or heart/respiratory conditions, today is still a day to pace outdoor exertion, especially near traffic-heavy corridors.This is described as a classic “good weather, bad air” Delhi day. The afternoon sun should feel lovely, and sunglasses and a light cotton layer will do the job for comfort. However, considering a well-fitting mask is recommended if riding a two-wheeler, waiting at busy crossings, or walking alongside main roads. If planning exercise, midday to early afternoon usually feels most comfortable temperature-wise, but choosing a park away from traffic is suggested. Indoors, it is considered a good day to keep windows open briefly for fresh air only if the local area is not visibly hazy; otherwise, short ventilation bursts are better than leaving them open for long stretches.
Outlook for the Week Ahead
Looking ahead, the next week is expected to stay largely sunny and dry. A clear warming trend is anticipated across the region.From January 14 to January 19, daytime highs are projected to rise from around 20.7°C to about 25.5°C. Nights are also expected to soften, moving from approximately 9–10°C to roughly 14–15°C by the 19th. Winds will remain mostly gentle, generally under 15 km/h, and rain remains off the table across the entire forecast window.For outdoor plans, Sunday, January 18, and Monday, January 19, look especially pleasant based on temperature alone, with highs near 24–25.5°C. These days could be suitable for family outings or long walks, though air quality should still be monitored. A small skywatching note indicates that the New Moon arrives on January 18, which can make for darker skies at night where city lights and haze allow.Data referenced in this article is taken from AQI.in.
