Delhi, widely known for its poor air quality, has witnessed an unexpected event for March. A rare fog covered the capital of India, along with a temperature dropping to 21.7°C and AQI improving to 93, the lowest in months. While social media platforms were filled with speculation and controversial posts, experts revealed the real reasons. Here’s all we know about that.
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Why Delhi Saw Rare Fog in March?
Today, Delhi and neighboring regions witnessed a certain drop in temperatures along with dense fog. The Hindustan Times reported that the mercury level dropped to 21.7°C, which is 9.6°C below the normal temperature for this month. Not only that, this marks the lowest temperature of the capital in nearly six years, as last time it was reported on March 8, 2020.
Reports reveal that within a day, the mercury dropped by 5.1°C, and at night it reached 13°C-14°C, all because of cyclonic circulation or Western Disturbance that brought a rare meteorological perfect storm, breaking many records and a thick blanket of dense fog.
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Factors that Contributed to Delhi’s Fog and Temperature Drop
India Today reports that a rare and powerful weather system, whose origin is the Mediterranean, stretched from northern Pakistan to Central India. This resulted in the heavy moisture reaching Delhi and neighboring regions, becoming the catalyst for fog.
Additionally, the rain, especially the 7mm noted on March 20, saturated the air. As a result, the humidity level surged above 70%, becoming another factor in fog. The overnight temperature drop to 13°C-14°C also played a role, as it caused the moisture-laden air to reach its dew point, condensing into the dense fog seen on Saturday morning, March 21, 2026.
Air Quality Improved to 93, A Five-Month Record
Although people appreciate the sudden temperature drop, as the summers are just around the corner, the increase in air quality was more celebratory to people. Delhi witnessed the cleanest air in five months, as AQI improved to 93. It was below 100 last on October 9, 2025, 161 days ago.
The rain witnessed these days washed the atmosphere and pushed the pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10 to the ground, improving air quality.
Data Around Delhi’s Current Weather
Here’s how Delhi’s weather is reported today: –
| Metric | Recording | Significance |
| Max Temperature | 21.7°C | Coldest March day since March 8, 2020 (21.2°C). |
| Min Temperature | 13°C | 3.5°C below the seasonal normal. |
| AQI | 93–94 | First “Satisfactory” day in over 5 months. |
| March Rainfall | 16.2 mm (avg) | Wettest March since 2023. |
Will this Last?
Although the current weather conditions are desired by Delhiites, many have even turned off their air purifiers, but it will not last long. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that temperatures will begin to rise gradually back to 27°C-29°C.
However, they have mentioned that the “wind chill” factor will remain for another day or two due to fresh snowfall in the Himalayas. They also predict some more rain and thunderstorms on Monday, March 23.