New Delhi is choking under severe air pollution, but relief is on the horizon. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a dramatic weather shift after January 23, promising heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds that could sweep away the toxic haze blanketing the National Capital Region (NCR).
Current air quality remains in the ‘severe’ category, with AQI levels soaring above 350 in Noida sectors and crossing 400 in Ghaziabad’s Loni. Delhi neighborhoods like Rohini (387), Jahangirpuri (391), and RK Puram (375) are equally alarming. Residents have been enduring hazardous conditions, but the impending weather change offers hope.
On January 23, expect maximum temperatures around 20°C and minimums near 10°C. Thunderstorms with lightning, gusty winds of 30-40 km/h, and rainfall are predicted throughout the day—from morning to night. This natural cleansing is expected to drastically improve air quality by dispersing pollutants.
The relief continues into January 24, with temperatures dropping further to a high of 20°C and low of 7°C, accompanied by moderate fog. Earlier days, January 21 and 22, will see persistent moderate fog without major alerts.
Experts caution that while pollution will ease, biting cold winds could follow for 2-3 days. IMD advises minimal outdoor exposure, warm clothing, and vigilance against sudden weather shifts. This forecast couldn’t come soon enough for NCR’s millions battling smog daily.