Delhi-NCR Braces for Temperature Drop and Rain as AQI Hovers in Poor Category
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) have issued a weather forecast for Delhi and its adjoining areas, predicting a significant drop in temperature accompanied by intermittent light rain, cloudy skies, and fog over the next three days. The air quality, currently in the Poor category, is expected to deteriorate further towards the weekend, raising concerns for residents.
Weather Forecast and Alerts
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Thursday, warning of moderate fog at many places in the Capital. Shallow to moderate fog is anticipated during the morning hours over the next six days, with exceptions on January 31 and February 1. The sky will remain generally cloudy throughout the week, with specific weather events including:
- A possibility of very light rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) on the night of January 31.
- One or two spells of light rain on February 1.
- Rainfall expected in Gurgaon, Noida, and neighboring areas on February 2.
These conditions are influenced by a western disturbance persisting as a cyclonic circulation over Jammu and its neighborhood, along with a trough extending from southeast Uttar Pradesh to north interior Karnataka. A fresh western disturbance is likely to affect Northwest India from the night of January 30.
Temperature Fluctuations
As a result of these weather systems, the IMD forecasts a fall in minimum temperatures by 4-6°C over the next three days, followed by a rise of 5-7°C thereafter. Consequently, minimum temperatures are likely to remain below normal by three degrees Celsius during the next three days and appreciably above normal afterwards.
On Wednesday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 18.4 degrees Celsius, which is 3.7 notches below the season’s average. The minimum temperature settled at 12.6 degrees Celsius, 4.2 notches above the season’s average.
Air Quality Index (AQI) Status
The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 255 in the Poor category at 4 pm, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. This marks a slight improvement from Tuesday’s reading of 336, which was in the Very Poor category.
In neighboring areas:
- Noida recorded an AQI of 217 (Poor), down from 331 (Very Poor) on Tuesday.
- Gurgaon settled at 267 (Poor), compared to 306 (Very Poor) a day earlier.
The dip in AQI was attributed to strong easterly winds up to 30 kmph prevailing in Delhi. However, according to IITM, Delhi’s AQI is likely to remain in the Poor category on January 28 and 29, before deteriorating to the Very Poor range on January 30 and 31. Over the next six days, the AQI is expected to fluctuate between Very Poor and Poor categories.
Implications for Residents
With the combination of dropping temperatures, rain, fog, and deteriorating air quality, residents of Delhi-NCR are advised to take necessary precautions. The yellow alert for fog indicates potential disruptions to travel and daily activities, while the Poor to Very Poor AQI levels highlight ongoing air pollution concerns that may affect health, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and updates are expected as the weather patterns evolve over the coming days.
