Delhi-NCR braces for heavy rain ahead of I-Day; air quality remains in poor category
New Delhi, Aug 14
Delhi-NCR is expected to witness widespread rainfall on Friday as favourable monsoon conditions, coupled with a developing weather system over eastern India, continue to influence the region. The India Meteorological Department has predicted intermittent to heavy showers, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds, over the next several days.
According to the IMD, rain activity is likely to remain widespread across Delhi, Haryana and Punjab on August 14, with wet weather conditions expected to continue until at least August 19. Meteorologists have attributed the forecast to an active monsoon trough passing close to the National Capital Region, creating conditions conducive to persistent rainfall.
The trough currently extends from Rajasthan through Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, and its movement is expected to generate repeated spells of rain over Delhi-NCR. In addition, a low-pressure system located near the West Bengal-Bangladesh coast is projected to alter wind patterns across the Gangetic plains over the next 24 to 36 hours, further strengthening rainfall activity in northern India.
Weather conditions on Independence Day are also expected to remain cloudy. During the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Red Fort on August 15, skies are likely to range from partly cloudy to overcast, with the possibility of light rain or brief showers in some areas. However, forecasters do not anticipate any major disruption to official celebrations.
Officials noted that similar weather conditions were observed around Independence Day last year, when heavy rainfall was recorded on August 14 but conditions improved in time for the national event the following morning.
Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality remained in the "poor" category, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 264. Several monitoring stations reported AQI levels in the satisfactory to moderate range, including Punjabi Bagh (109), Pusa (128), Chandni Chowk (124), IIT Delhi (122), Rohini (118), Alipur (104), DTU (97), Patparganj (96), JNU (79), Commonwealth Sports Complex (79), Mandir Marg (77), Shadipur (62) and NSIT Dwarka (56).
— IANS
Reader Comments
Hopefully the rain doesn't disrupt the flag hoisting at Red Fort. It's such a proud moment for all of us. But honestly, the scattered AQI readings - from 62 in Dwarka to 264 overall - show how uneven pollution is across the city. Some areas need more attention than others.
Classic Delhi weather! One day it's blazing hot, next day it's pouring. At least the rain will settle the dust and give some relief from the humidity. But the AQI being poor during monsoon months is concerning - we need stricter enforcement of construction rules and vehicle emissions, not just weather-based solutions.
I moved to Delhi last year from the US, and it's wild how you guys just accept days of rain and poor air as normal! But I love the resilience here - arrangements are always made, and life goes on. Hoping the I-Day ceremony is beautiful rain or shine! 🇮🇳
The AQI readings are actually better in many areas compared to last week - Chandni Chowk at 124 and Rohini at 118 are moderate levels. So rain is helping! But 264 overall means some pockets are still really bad. We need to think long-term - more green cover like in IIT Delhi area (79 AQI) would do wonders for the whole city.
Yaar, every year same story - monsoon rains expected around I-Day, air quality in poor category. We celebrate Independence Day but are we really free from pollution? 🤔 Good that IMD is giving early warnings though. Hope the celebrations at Red Fort are not affected and everyone stays safe in this
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