Delhi-NCR is on the brink of a dramatic weather shift as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for January 23. Expect intense rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph, potentially disrupting daily life across the region.
On January 22, temperatures hovered around a maximum of 25°C and a minimum of 7°C, with no warnings in place. However, the forecast for the following day paints a starkly different picture. Highs are projected to drop to 20°C, with lows around 13°C, under persistent spells of rain, lightning, and strong winds throughout the day—from morning till night.
Post-rainfall, a chill is set to return on January 24 and 25. Maximum temperatures may hold at 20°C on the 24th, dipping to a low of 7°C, while the 25th could see minimums as low as 6°C. Moderate fog is likely in the mornings, adding to commuter woes.
Compounding the weather concerns, air quality in Delhi-NCR remains dire. AQI levels have surged into ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories. In Ghaziabad, Loni and Vasundhara clocked 375, Indirapuram at 341, and Sanjay Nagar at 270. Noida’s Sector-125 read 338, Sector-1 at 325, and Sector-116 at 337. Delhi fares no better: Anand Vihar at 382, Chandni Chowk 363, RK Puram 359, Punjabi Bagh and Pusa 345, Dwarka Sector-8 342, and Ashok Vihar 333.
Experts suggest the impending rain and winds might offer temporary relief from pollution, but the returning cold and fog could reverse gains quickly. Residents are urged to stay indoors during storms, monitor updates, and use masks outdoors amid hazardous air.