The national capital is witnessing a surreal start to the weekend as a dense blanket of fog enveloped Delhi and the NCR region on Saturday, March 21, 2026. This rare atmospheric phenomenon, more typical of deep winter than late March, follows an unusual week of stormy weather and heavy rainfall that has shattered temperature records.
1. Eid-ul-Fitr Celebrations
Despite the chilly, foggy conditions, the city’s mood remains celebratory as the Muslim community gathers to observe Eid-ul-Fitr. Large crowds were seen at Jama Masjid early this morning to offer prayers, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. Across India, while some states like Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu celebrated on Friday, the majority of the country is observing the festival today, Saturday, March 21.
2. Weather Snapshot: A “Late Winter” Spring
The weather has undergone a dramatic shift due to an active Western Disturbance passing through northwest India.
- Coldest March Day: Friday marked the coldest March day in six years, with the maximum temperature struggling to reach just 21.7°C—significantly lower than the seasonal norm.
- Dense Fog & Humidity: Humidity levels hovered near 100% on Saturday morning, contributing to the thick fog that reduced visibility across Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad.
- Rainfall Data: Delhi has recorded an average of 16.2 mm of rainfall this month, making it the wettest March since 2023.
3. Air Quality Rebound
The recent heavy rains have acted as a natural cleanser for the city’s atmosphere.
- Satisfactory AQI: For the second consecutive day, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the “satisfactory” category. On Friday, the AQI was recorded at 93, and it remained around 94 at 8:00 AM on Saturday.
- Outlook: This is a notable improvement, as it is the first time in five months (since October 2025) that the city has enjoyed such clean air. However, the Air Quality Early Warning System expects levels to shift toward the “moderate” category through March 23.
4. Forecast Ahead
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) anticipates a gradual rise in temperatures over the coming days.
- Temperature: The maximum temperature is expected to recover to between 27°C and 29°C today, while the minimum will likely hover between 13°C and 15°C.
- More Rain Expected: The relief may be short-lived; another Western Disturbance is expected to bring light rain, thunderstorms, and lightning to the region again on Monday, March 23.
Quick Look: Delhi Weather Statistics
| Parameter | Current Status (March 21) | Trend/Context |
| Visibility | Low (Dense Fog) | Rare for late March |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 94 (Satisfactory) | Cleanest in 5 months |
| Max Temperature | Forecast 27–29°C | Recovering from 21.7°C low |
| Min Temperature | 13–15°C | Dropping |