New Delhi: The capital experienced a warm and sunny Sunday, with the maximum temperature reaching 27.4°C, marking it as the warmest day of the year so far. The rise in temperature was attributed to the impact of a western disturbance, which not only led to a spike in temperatures but also caused the city's air quality to deteriorate to the 'poor' category.

The maximum temperature was four degrees above normal, surpassing the previous high of 27°C recorded on Jan 31. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), temperatures are expected to remain warm through Tuesday, possibly reaching 28°C, as wind speeds continue to be low. Weather analysts pointed to the western disturbance as the cause, which altered wind direction and reduced speeds, bringing warm winds from the south-westerly or westerly direction.

The minimum temperatures, however, remained below normal as the clear skies at night allow heat to escape to the outer atmosphere. The minimum temperature on Sunday was recorded at 7.8 degrees Celsius, two degrees below normal for this time of the year, compared to 9.8 degrees Celsius a day earlier. According to the forecast, minimum temperatures are likely to rise as well. They are expected to hover between 8-10 degrees Celsius on Monday and be between 10-12 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the city's air quality reverted to the 'poor' category on Sunday after two consecutive days of 'moderate' AQI. Air quality worsened on Sunday, with the average AQI recorded at 227, placing it in the 'poor' category, up from 152 the previous day. The city's air quality is expected to remain 'poor' until Tuesday but is forecasted to improve to the 'moderate' category by Wednesday. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology's early warning system suggests that Delhi's air quality may fluctuate between 'poor' and 'moderate' over the coming week.