Diwali Weather Conditions Over Delhi/NCR

Key Takeaways:

• Delhi is likely to experience clear skies and dry weather during the Diwali weekend, with no significant cloud cover expected.
• Daytime temperatures may hover around 28°C, while nighttime temperatures are expected to remain near 16°C.
• Slowing winds on November 7 and a possible wind reversal on November 8 could aggravate pollution levels.
• Delhi's AQI may remain very poor to severe, with isolated pockets potentially witnessing hazardous pollution levels overnight.
• Forecast Validity: Till November 10.

Diwali is a vibrant, multi-day festive occasion celebrated across the country. The main festival of Diwali falls on Sunday, 08th Nov, which is preceded and succeeded by a chain of other activities on account of Dhanteras, Chhoti Diwali, Govardhan Pooja and Bhai Dooj. The festival mostly falls between mid-October and mid-November, after the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon. It is a fair-weather period for North, Central, East and Northeast India. Yes, the South Peninsula does get bursts of rain under the influence of the northeast monsoon. Generally, Delhi remains at a safe distance from western disturbances moving across the mountains in the North and quite far from any other perturbations of the northeast monsoon. November, as such, is the least rainy month for the national capital, with an average rainfall of just 4 mm. On many occasions, the month has been completely dry, as in 2024 and 2025.

[Check your local weather forecast here]

A western disturbance is arriving over the northern hills late on 9th Nov/10th morning. With the approach of the system, winds in the lower levels are likely to slow down on 07th Nov and may reverse direction on 08th Nov, Diwali day. Bursting of crackers is officially permitted by court order for two hours in the evening (8–10 p.m.) and one hour in the morning (6–7 a.m.) on 07th and 08th Nov 2026. Under the influence of these factors, pollution levels are likely to increase further and may remain in the severe category during the festivities.

No cloud cover is likely to develop over the weekend. A fair amount of sunshine is expected. However, due to a thick layer of pollution during the late-night and morning hours, the sunshine may be slightly obscured, resulting in only mild glimpses of the Sun until the forenoon hours. The day and night temperatures are likely to hover around 28°C and 16°C on Saturday and Sunday. The Air Quality Index is expected to remain in the very poor to severe category. It may even temporarily climb to the hazardous category in some pockets during the night and early morning hours. Special caution needs to be exercised regarding respiratory complications and noise pollution.