Delhi recorded its coldest September morning in 18 years on Tuesday, with the minimum temperature dropping to 21 degrees Celsius, 2.3 degrees below the season’s normal, according to the India Meteorological Department.

The reading matched the one recorded on Sunday, September 27, making it the second time in three days that the capital logged its coldest September morning since 2008. IMD data shows the lowest September minimum since 2001 was 20.8 degrees on September 6, 2008.

The chill follows recent rainfall across the Delhi-NCR region. The IMD reported rain at several locations across Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi in the 24 hours up to 5:30 am on Tuesday, with persistent cloud cover and atmospheric moisture pulling nighttime temperatures down.

The cold morning was accompanied by a layer of haze that blurred the city skyline, attributed to the aftermath of the rainfall and moisture in the lower atmosphere rather than a specific pollution event.

The IMD expects both minimum and maximum temperatures to rise gradually over the next few days as the capital transitions from the monsoon season to a drier spell.