Delhi logs its warmest R-Day since 2017: IMD

Delhi woke up to bright sunshine and clear skies on Republic Day on Sunday, with the maximum temperature above normal — for the ninth straight day in the city.

- Jasjeev Gandhiok

NEW DELHI: Safdarjung, representative of Delhi's weather, recorded a maximum of 23.7°C, two degrees above normal for this time of the year. This was also the warmest Republic Day in eight years, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, as the last time the maximum temperature was higher on January 26 was in 2017 at 26.1°C.

IMD has forecast a western disturbance in the region from January 28 onwards, which is likely to lead to a further rise in maximum temperature till the weekend. Delhi's minimum temperature, which dipped below normal on Sunday, is also expected to rise by 3-4°C by Saturday, IMD has forecast.

"We have clear skies and even with a western disturbance bringing some rain and snow last week in northwest India, the dip in maximum temperature has not been too significant. We have clear skies during the day, which is allowing bright sunshine, even with northwesterly winds blowing," said Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet meteorology.