India, March 10 -- The minimum temperature rose a degree above normal to 15.2degC on Monday even as Delhi's air quality improved to the "moderate" category. The mercury was expected to rise until Wednesday and scattered light rain was likely on Holi on Friday.

An India Meteorological Department (IMD) official cited clear skies and limited moisture and said both day and night-time temperatures were rising. "The minimum [temperature] is expected to be between 16-18degC on Wednesday."

The IMD said the maximum temperature was likely to oscillate between 33 and 34degC on Tuesday and Wednesday before marginally dipping on Friday. The mercury went up to 32.8degC on Sunday, or four degrees above normal. It was the highest temperature so far thi...