Delhi weather October 17: Warmer days ahead, AQI at 348 'very poor'
Synopsis
Delhi's brief rain-relief is over — dry, warming weather is locked in until at least 22 October, and an AQI of 348 at Anand Vihar signals the capital is sliding back into its annual winter pollution crisis. With stubble-burning season approaching, this week's numbers could be just the beginning.
Key Takeaways
The IMD forecasts no rainfall in Delhi until at least 22 October , with maximum temperatures expected to reach 32–34°C by 21–22 October .
Delhi's overall AQI stands at 348 , placing the city in the 'very poor' category on 17 October .
Anand Vihar recorded the highest station-level AQI at 348 ; relatively lower readings at Burari ( 91 ) and Badarpur ( 51 ).
Vehicular emissions, road dust, and construction activity remain the primary pollution drivers in the capital.
Himachal Pradesh , Uttarakhand , Haryana , West Bengal , and Uttar Pradesh are each expected to see warm, largely dry conditions on Saturday.
New Delhi is set to experience partly cloudy skies and warmer weather on 17 October 2026, following a brief spell of rainfall and thunderstorms that temporarily altered atmospheric conditions across the capital. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast dry weather to prevail over Delhi in the days ahead, even as air quality remains a pressing concern.
IMD Forecast for Delhi
In its 16 October bulletin, the IMD indicated no rainfall for Delhi until at least 22 October. Skies are expected to turn mainly clear from 18 October, with maximum temperatures likely climbing to 32–34 degrees Celsius by 21 and 22 October. The recent rain and strong winds offered temporary pollution relief by dispersing airborne pollutants, but experts caution that drier conditions ahead could trigger another deterioration in air quality.
Delhi AQI Hits 'Very Poor' at 348
Despite the weather improvement, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 348, firmly in the 'very poor' category. Among individual monitoring stations, Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI at 348, followed by Mundka at 227 and Jahangirpuri at 212. Chandni Chowk logged 188, while Vivek Vihar and Rohini both reported 187.
Punjabi Bagh recorded 171, Narela at 165, CRRI Mathura Road at 158, and Dwarka Sector 8 at 155. Relatively cleaner air was recorded at Burari (91) and Badarpur (51), though the capital's overall average remains alarming. Vehicular emissions, road dust, and construction activity continue to be the primary contributors to elevated pollution levels.
Weather Across Northern and Eastern States
Himachal Pradesh is likely to see partly sunny weather with isolated afternoon showers in some areas. Uttarakhand is expected to enjoy mostly clear skies and hazy sunshine, with relatively cool temperatures during mornings and nights. In Haryana, predominantly sunny and warm conditions are forecast, with temperatures ranging from approximately 18 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius, though isolated afternoon thunderstorms remain possible.
West Bengal is expected to see warm, hazy sunshine with temperatures between roughly 23 and 33 degrees Celsius; residents in the state have been advised to follow local updates given potential variation between the northern and southern parts. Uttar Pradesh is also set for warm, hazy sunshine, with maximum temperatures around 32 degrees Celsius and minimum temperatures near 22 degrees Celsius. The IMD has not issued any weather warning for eastern or western Uttar Pradesh for Saturday.
What Lies Ahead for Delhi's Air Quality
The seasonal transition from October into November historically marks the onset of Delhi's worst air quality months, as stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana intensifies and cooler, stagnant air traps pollutants closer to ground level. With dry weather locked in until at least 22 October, authorities and residents are advised to monitor the IMD and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) updates closely. Any wind shift or fresh western disturbance could alter the outlook quickly.
Point of View
Before dry conditions and stubble-burning season reassert the status quo. An AQI of 348 at Anand Vihar on 17 October — before the worst of winter pollution has even arrived — is a reminder that the capital's air quality crisis is structural, not seasonal. The IMD forecast gives officials a clear window until 22 October to enforce source-level curbs on dust and emissions; what happens in that window will determine how badly November begins.
NationPress
17 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Delhi's AQI today, 17 October 2026?
Delhi's Air Quality Index stands at 348, placing it in the 'very poor' category. Anand Vihar recorded the highest reading at 348, while stations such as Burari (91) and Badarpur (51) posted relatively lower figures.
Will it rain in Delhi this week?
According to the IMD's 16 October bulletin, no rainfall is expected in Delhi until at least 22 October. Skies are forecast to remain mainly clear from 18 October onwards.
What temperatures can Delhi expect in the coming days?
Maximum temperatures in Delhi are expected to climb to 32–34 degrees Celsius by 21 and 22 October, according to the IMD forecast. Conditions are expected to remain warm and dry for the rest of this week.
Why is Delhi's air quality deteriorating despite recent rains?
While recent rainfall and strong winds provided temporary relief by dispersing pollutants, drier weather is expected to allow pollution levels to rise again. Ongoing vehicular emissions, road dust, and construction activities continue to worsen air quality, and the approaching stubble-burning season in neighbouring states is expected to compound the problem.
What is the weather forecast for other northern states on 17 October?
Himachal Pradesh will see partly sunny skies with isolated showers; Uttarakhand will have mostly clear skies with cool mornings; Haryana will be warm and sunny with possible afternoon thunderstorms; Uttar Pradesh will see warm, hazy sunshine with highs around 32°C; and West Bengal will experience warm, hazy conditions with temperatures between roughly 23°C and 33°C.
