Delhi-NCR Hit by Rain & Thunderstorms, AQI Worsens to 'Poor'

The Delhi-NCR region experienced moderate rainfall, bringing a winter chill and prompting the IMD to issue a yellow alert for thunderstorms and gusty winds. After a brief improvement, air quality has deteriorated again, with the overall AQI entering the 'poor' category at 281. Specific areas like Rohini and Anand Vihar recorded even higher, alarming pollution levels. The weather forecast predicts mostly cloudy skies with shallow fog for the coming days, alongside continued chances of rain.

Key Points: Delhi-NCR Rain, Temperature Drop, and Rising Pollution Levels

  • Yellow alert for rain & thunderstorms
  • AQI back in 'poor' category at 281
  • Gusty winds up to 60 kmph predicted
  • Cloudy skies forecast for a week
2 min read

Rain lashes parts of Delhi-NCR, temperatures drop

IMD issues yellow alert for Delhi as rain and thunderstorms bring chill. AQI worsens to 'poor' category after brief improvement. Forecast details.

"one or two instances of light rain along with thunderstorms/lightning and gusty winds reaching 30-40 km/h are expected - India Meteorological Department"

New Delhi, Jan 27

The Delhi-NCR region experienced moderate rainfall on Tuesday morning, bringing a new wave of winter chill to the area.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has released a yellow alert for the city due to the effects of a Western Disturbance in the region.

As per the IMD, one or two instances of light rain along with thunderstorms/lightning and gusty winds reaching 30-40 km/h are expected during the forenoon, with more spells anticipated from afternoon into the evening.

The sky is forecasted to remain mostly cloudy for the next seven days, except on January 29 and 31, when there may be partial cloudiness. Shallow to moderate fog is also predicted during the morning hours from January 28 to February 2.

Meanwhile, after a brief spell of cleaner air, pollution levels have worsened again, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 281, placing it in the 'poor' category.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), several areas in the national capital recorded alarming pollution levels. Anand Vihar reported an AQI of 368, followed by Rohini at 370, Bawana at 344, Sonia Vihar at 337, Chandni Chowk at 325, DTU at 322, ITO at 321, Patparganj at 317, Dwarka Sector-8 at 314, North Campus at 291, and Narela at 288.

Earlier, Delhi witnessed a marked improvement in air quality after winter rain on Sunday. The AQI was recorded at 150, placing it in the 'moderate' category, according to the CPCB. While the rainfall added to the city's chilly conditions, it provided much-needed relief from persistent pollution levels.

On Monday, temperatures continued to rise gradually, while the 24-hour average AQI settled at 241, remaining in the 'poor' category. The weather department has warned of rain, thunderstorms, lightning and hail on Tuesday, with wind speeds expected to reach 40-50 kmph and gusts up to 60 kmph.

Temperatures across Delhi on Monday evening showed mixed trends, with relatively warmer days but persistently cold nights.

As per AQI classification, a reading between 0 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'.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Anand Vihar at 368 and Rohini at 370? That's alarming. The rain washes it away for a day, and then we're back to square one. The authorities need to be more proactive about the pollution sources.
A
Aman W
Finally some proper winter weather! Been missing the chill. Just hope the fog predictions for next week don't disrupt flights and trains too much. Time to get the heaters and rajais out.
S
Sarah B
Living in Dwarka, the drop in temperature is noticeable. The gusty winds yesterday were quite strong. It's a constant battle between enjoying the cold and worrying about the pollution. Stay safe, everyone.
V
Vikram M
The IMD forecast seems accurate this time. Yellow alert was justified with that hail warning. My concern is the mix of rain, poor air, and fog – a perfect recipe for accidents on the roads. Drive carefully, folks.
K
Karthik V
While the rain is welcome, this cycle is frustrating. One day of moderate AQI and then back to poor. It shows our systemic failure to tackle pollution. We can't just rely on the weather gods every time.

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