Delhi-NCR sees rain and thunderstorms as IMD issues orange alert, temperatures drop, AQI improves slightly, and commuters are warned of strong winds.
Delhi-NCR sees rain and thunderstorms as IMD issues orange alert [Photo: X]
Delhi and its neighbouring cities in the NCR woke up to moderate rain and thunderstorms on Friday morning. The IMD has issued an orange alert for the area, warning of gusty winds, lightning, and intermittent showers throughout the day.
The rains bring relief from the lingering winter chill and temporarily improve the city's air quality.
The IMD said residents should remain cautious as thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds with speeds of 30–40 kmph are expected during the early hours and late morning. “Generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of light rain accompanied by thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds,” the IMD said. Another round of showers is expected in the afternoon and evening.
Authorities have advised people to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in low-lying areas prone to waterlogging. Shallow morning fog may also reduce visibility, making road commutes more challenging.
The IMD said an active western disturbance is affecting North India, leading to cloudy skies, rainfall, and thunderstorms across Delhi-NCR. Moderate showers are expected to persist for the next few hours, accompanied by gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph.
“Generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of light rain accompanied by thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds, with wind speeds reaching 30–40 kmph likely during the early hours,” the IMD said. Another spell of light rain is predicted in the afternoon and evening.
After Delhi recorded its warmest January day in seven years on Thursday, with the mercury touching 27.1°C, the maximum temperature on Friday is expected to drop sharply to around 19°C. The minimum temperature is likely to settle at 12°C, bringing noticeable cold during early mornings and late evenings.
The rain has led to a temporary improvement in Delhi’s air quality. The city’s AQI stood at 302 in the ‘very poor’ category, while Noida and Gurugram recorded ‘poor’ levels at 293 and 272, respectively.
Air quality forecasts from the Air Quality and Weather Forecasting System (AQWS) indicate moderate conditions on January 23–24, followed by a decline to ‘poor’ on January 25. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR, but restrictions under Stages I and II remain in force.
The western disturbance affecting Delhi-NCR is also bringing rain and snowfall to other parts of North India. Jammu received rainfall on Thursday, intensifying cold wave conditions. Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are expected to see heavy rain and snowfall in districts like Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh.
These spells are likely to reduce dryness, lower the risk of forest fires, and provide much-needed relief from winter chill in hill states. A yellow alert has been issued in some districts for possible hailstorms and strong winds.
While the rain improves air quality, it also poses challenges for commuters. Waterlogging in low-lying areas and gusty winds can affect traffic and public transport. The combination of precipitation and morning fog makes driving hazardous, prompting authorities to advise residents to exercise caution.
“The public should avoid outdoor activities during heavy rainfall or lightning and stay updated on local weather alerts,” the IMD said.
