New Delhi is bracing for another weather upheaval as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts intense rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across the National Capital Region (NCR) on January 31 and February 1. This sudden change promises to slash temperatures, reviving the chill after a brief respite.
On January 30, moderate fog will blanket NCR, with maximum temperatures hovering around 19°C and minimums at 10°C. The very next day, conditions intensify: morning fog gives way to evening showers accompanied by lightning and strong surface winds. Expect highs of 20°C and lows dipping to 7°C.
February 1 follows suit, with thunderstorms and rain likely in the evening, alongside morning mist. Temperatures could peak at 18°C and settle at 12°C overnight. These developments come as a welcome relief for air quality, battered by winter pollution.
Recent readings show improvement in several spots. Aya Nagar and CRRI Mathura Road clocked AQI at 188 (yellow zone), while Pusa stood at 169. However, hotspots like Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range (304), RK Puram (316), Siri Fort (314), and Wazirpur (303) remain in the severe red zone.
In Noida, Sector-62 reported 183 (yellow), but Sectors 125, 1, and 116 ranged 264-267. Ghaziabad’s Indirapuram (288), Sanjay Nagar (217), Vasundhara (314), and Loni (316) reflect a mixed bag, with some areas still choking on pollutants.
The persistent winds have dispersed smog, making air more breathable. IMD urges caution: avoid open areas, trees, and poles during storms. Drivers, slow down in fog for safety. This weather flip underscores Delhi’s unpredictable winter patterns, blending relief with vigilance.