New Delhi, Aug 15 (PTI) The scene at the Red Fort, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation, was one of quiet endurance, as the sticky air, and not the heat, tested the patience of residents marking Independence Day.
Raincoats came out as the India Meteorological Department's forecast of light rain came true.
The minimum temperature was recorded at 24.2 degrees Celsius, 2.3 degrees below the seasonal average, the IMD said.
The misty air and the blanket of clouds over Delhi slightly reduced visibility levels with humidity levels soaring to 99 per cent at 7:30 am, while an hour later at 8.30 am it was 94 per cent, the IMD data showed.
Dignitaries fanned themselves with hand fans sourced from local markets. Others dabbed their foreheads with cotton towels, trying to keep cool.
On Thursday, the city had been lashed by a relentless downpour that left some neighbourhoods waist-deep in water and brought traffic to a standstill.
This time, however, the rain held back, leaving only the heavy air.
The city recorded 80 mm of rain in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Friday.
The maximum temperature is expected to settle around 32 degrees Celsius.
The IMD has forecast a generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers during the day.
The air quality was recorded in the 'Satisfactory' category at 9 am on Friday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 69, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed.
According to the CPCB, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 'severe'.