Delhi suddenly feels a little different this week. The national capital recorded a minimum temperature of 21°C, making the morning noticeably cooler than usual for the end of September. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the temperature at the Safdarjung Observatory was around three degrees below the normal level for this time of the year. It was also the second-lowest September night temperature recorded in Delhi in the last 25 years. The last time Delhi saw a colder September night was in 2008, when the minimum temperature dropped to 20.8°C.

Why Did Delhi Suddenly Get Cooler?

The sudden change in weather came after a spell of rain and thunderstorms across Delhi-NCR and nearby areas. The IMD linked the cooler conditions to a combination of rainfall, increased cloud cover, north-northeasterly winds and weather systems over northern India. These conditions brought down both daytime and nighttime temperatures across the capital. The effect was even stronger in some parts of Delhi. While Safdarjung recorded 21°C, the Ridge area went down to around 16.8°C, making it one of the coolest spots in the city.

Delhi Gets a Winter-Like Morning

For many Delhi residents, the 21°C temperature came as a surprise because September usually still feels warm and humid. The cooler morning, cloudy skies and recent rain gave the city an early winter-like feel. The drop also brought some relief from the recent heat. Delhi's maximum temperature on Sunday was recorded at around 29.2°C, which was several degrees below the seasonal average. The recent rain also helped improve air quality in parts of the capital, adding to the more pleasant weather conditions.

Is Winter Arriving Early in Delhi?

Not quite.

Although 21°C may feel like winter has arrived early, the weather is expected to become warmer again. The IMD has forecast mainly clear skies, with the maximum temperature around 33°C on Tuesday. Temperatures are expected to rise further to around 34°C on Wednesday and Thursday. So, Delhi's sudden cool spell is more of a temporary change caused by recent weather conditions than the actual beginning of winter.

What Happens Next?

The cooler mornings may continue to give Delhi residents a brief break from the heat, but temperatures are expected to climb again over the next few days.For now, though, the 21°C morning has certainly given Delhi a small preview of the cooler months ahead. With September coming to an end and October beginning, many residents will be waiting to see when the city's real winter chill finally arrives.