Delhi, northwest India likely to receive widespread rainfall; air quality remains in poor category
New Delhi, Aug 13
Delhi and several parts of northwest India are likely to witness a change in weather conditions over the coming days, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting widespread rainfall over Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi during August 14-15.
For August 13, rainfall activity is expected to increase across parts of northwest India, with isolated heavy rainfall becoming more likely from August 14 onward. Residents have been advised to keep an eye on the latest local weather updates, particularly if travelling outdoors.
The IMD has forecast light rain or drizzle in the national capital until August 17.
Meanwhile, India is set to experience another spell of widespread monsoon rainfall on Thursday, as a fresh low-pressure system over the North Bay of Bengal is expected to strengthen and move inland.
According to the IMD, the system, which formed off the West Bengal-Bangladesh coasts on Wednesday, August 12, is likely to intensify into a well-marked low-pressure area within the next 12 hours and further develop into a depression over the following 24 hours.
The low-pressure area formed under the influence of a cyclonic circulation that had developed over the North Bay of Bengal. In addition, the active monsoon trough is positioned south of its normal location, creating favourable conditions for enhanced rainfall across several parts of the country.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy rain at isolated places, is likely over Gangetic West Bengal and Odisha. Chhattisgarh is also expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations.
Heavy rainfall has also been forecast for Jharkhand, East Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, parts of Maharashtra, West Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Karnataka, Konkan and Goa, parts of the Northeast, and Tamil Nadu.
In Delhi, air quality remained in the "poor" category, with Anand Vihar recording an AQI of 262. Other monitoring stations reported AQI levels including NSUT Jaffarpur (84), Punjabi Bagh (124), Shadipur (80), Chandni Chowk (120), Commonwealth Sports Complex (84), Aya Nagar (85), JNU (80), Alipur (104), North Campus DU (122), R.K. Puram (122), ITO Delhi (97), IIT Delhi (140), Ashok Vihar (114), DTU (97), Rohini (132), and Patparganj (95).
— IANS
Reader Comments
IMD ke forecast pe bharosa karna hai, par Delhi mein monsoon kabhi kabhi late ho jaata hai. 😅 Hopefully the low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal brings good rain to the whole northwest India. Farmers in Haryana and Punjab will definitely welcome this!
I moved to Delhi from the US last year, and this monsoon season is quite interesting to experience. But the AQI levels are shocking. Even on a rainy day, places like IIT Delhi and Rohini have AQI above 130. I really hope the authorities take stricter actions to control pollution, especially during the pre-winter months.
Finally a proper spell of rain for Odisha and Bengal as well! 🌧️ Hope there are no flood-like situations though. The low-pressure area intensifying into a depression is a bit worrying for coastal areas. People should stay alert and follow local advisories.
Poor air quality is old news for us Delhiites. We need systematic solutions, not just seasonal rain. But let's appreciate the good things - the rain will cool things down and fill up the water reservoirs. Just wish the government would tackle stubble burning and vehicle emissions seriously!
Living in Delhi as a expat taught me to respect the monsoon, but also the air quality issues. Even with rain forecast, the AQI varies wildly across the city - from 80 in some places to 262 in Anand Vihar. That's not okay. There's a clear need for better urban planning and green infrastructure.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.