Delhi Shivers as Rain and Thunderstorms Lash City, Air Quality Stays 'Very Poor'

Delhi woke up to a chilly and damp Friday morning, as light rain and cold winds swept across the city, creating a wintry scene. Several parts of Delhi-NCR experienced light rain and drizzle, accompanied by a layer of fog that significantly reduced visibility. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a minimum temperature of 12°C and a maximum of 20°C, setting the tone for a cold day ahead.

The IMD has predicted more showers over the weekend, with a "thunderstorm with rain" expected in Delhi on Friday and Saturday. An orange alert has been issued, warning of light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning.

Despite the wet weather, air quality remains a concern. At 8 a.m., Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 372, categorized as "very poor." The rain brought no significant relief to pollution levels, leaving the city's air heavy with particulate matter.

According to the IMD, the current weather conditions are driven by an active western disturbance. This trough in the middle tropospheric westerlies is bringing widespread moisture from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. The disturbance is expected to trigger thunderstorms, hailstorms, and moderate rainfall across northwestern and central India on December 27 and 28.

As the year comes to an end, heavy snowfall is anticipated in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and other parts of the Himalayan region. Meanwhile, cloudy skies and intermittent rain are likely to persist in Delhi-NCR into the new year.

Looking ahead to January, the IMD forecasts cold wave conditions tightening their grip on northern India. Dense fog is expected in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi-NCR. Additionally, the western Himalayan region is expected to experience light to moderate snowfall during the second week of January, offering a picturesque start to 2025 for winter enthusiasts.

Residents are advised to stay updated with IMD alerts, wear warm clothing, and exercise caution while traveling due to fog and wet roads. Those in northern hill regions should prepare for snowfall and ensure safety measures are in place.