Weather Update: IMD Predicts Heavy Rains in Delhi –NCR till Sunday, Air Quality best in Last 2 Months!

In the early hours of Saturday, Delhi and its surrounding areas witnessed severe rain and thunderstorms (January 8).

Most affected regions due to heavy rains

Rains drenched areas of the national capital on Saturday, have brought down the mercury further!

Commuters also faced severe waterlogging in locations like Madhu Vihar, RK Puram, and Moti Bagh, which were observed swamped with water.

Thunderstorms with expected moderate to heavy rain in Delhi and Delhi-NCR (Gurugram, Manesar, Ballabhgarh Faridabad) Karnal, Panipat, Gannaur, Sonipat, Kharkhoda, Palwal, Jhajjar,  Sohana, Bagpat (UP), and Tizara (Rajasthan), during the next 2 hours, according to the India Meteorological Department.

With rain whacking numerous areas of Delhi and temperature dropping, homeless people are seeking refuge in night shelters. The Indian Meterological Department has forecasted a cloudy sky for Delhi until January 9. (Sunday)

Meanwhile, most of Kashmir had moderate to high snowfall on Friday, with authorities issuing an avalanche alert for avalanche-prone locations. According to a Met Department official, most locations in south and central Kashmir have received considerable snowfall.

"The snowfall is expected to be heavy tonight and tomorrow. The weather is expected to improve starting Sunday "added the official.

According to them, the snowfall, which started late in the afternoon, prompted the cancellation of many flights to Srinagar airport.

Improved air quality index

Furthermore, Delhi recorded its greatest air quality in almost two months on Friday after deteriorated air quality index to toxic, with agencies projecting that rain and high winds will result in the first "good" air day of the year on Saturday. The city's 24-hour air quality index (AQI) was 182, the highest reading since October 26 when it was 139. On Thursday, it was 258.

An AQI between 401 and 500 is considered "severe", 301 and 400 "very poor", 201 and 300 "poor", 101 and 200 "moderate", 51 and 100 "satisfactory",  and zero and 50 is considered "good".

SAFAR, the Ministry of Earth Sciences' air quality monitor, said that the AQI has improved to the "moderate" level owing to rain. More rainfall and strong winds on Saturday will boost air quality to the 'satisfactory' or 'good' level.

However, a drop in temperature and wind speed would enable pollutants to accumulate, according to the report.