Delhi-NCR Shrouded in Dense Fog Following Rainfall, IMD Issues Weather Alert
Dense fog enveloped parts of the national capital, Delhi, on Saturday morning, creating a hazy atmosphere after rainfall the previous evening. Similar foggy conditions were reported in neighboring cities such as Ghaziabad and Noida, where a light layer of fog hovered over urban areas, reducing visibility and impacting daily activities.
IMD Forecasts Additional Rainfall and Temperature Trends
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast another spell of rain on March 23, adding to the recent wet weather. While temperatures are expected to rise gradually from Saturday, the maximum temperature is likely to hover between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius. According to the IMD’s early warning system, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is also anticipated to remain in the ‘moderate’ category, indicating manageable pollution levels despite the fog.
Weather Shift Triggered by Convective Clouds and Western Disturbance
The sudden shift in weather began around March 18, when moisture-laden winds, combined with high temperatures, led to the formation of convective clouds. These clouds later interacted with an active western disturbance, triggering widespread rainfall across the Delhi-NCR region. This meteorological event resulted in a sharp drop in temperature, with continuous rain since Wednesday evening bringing a noticeable chill to the city.
Record Low Temperatures and Cooling Effects Across North India
On Friday, the maximum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 21.7 degrees Celsius—approximately 10 notches below normal and significantly lower than the 26.8 degrees Celsius recorded a day earlier. This marked the lowest maximum temperature recorded in March in six years, comparable to March 8, 2020, when the temperature stood at 21.2 degrees Celsius. Rain and thunderstorms lashed several parts of North India on Friday, prolonging the cooling effect in Delhi and prompting residents to switch off air conditioners as the chill persisted.
Temporary Impact with Normalization Expected Soon
However, the impact of this weather event is expected to be temporary. Temperatures are likely to rise in the coming days, with conditions gradually returning to normal. The IMD’s predictions suggest a swift recovery from the unusual cold spell, allowing residents to anticipate more typical spring weather patterns shortly.
