New Delhi is bracing for a dramatic weather shift as a powerful western disturbance sweeps across northern India. Starting February 1, the National Capital Region (NCR) will experience chilly winds, thunderstorms, and rainfall, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Snowfall in the hills is fueling cold winds that will blanket Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Greater Noida. Expect minimum temperatures to drop sharply, with highs hovering around 18°C and lows near 12°C. Morning fog could reduce visibility, while evenings bring gusty surface winds, lightning, and light to moderate showers accompanied by thunder.
This change comes amid persistent poor air quality. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reports AQI levels in the ‘very poor’ red zone across multiple sites: Vivek Vihar at 344, Wazirpur 332, Anand Vihar 331, RK Puram 327, Rohini 312, Siri Fort 326, and Ashok Vihar 312. Orange zone readings include Chandni Chowk (287), Mathura Road (291), Bawana (262), Sonia Vihar (268), and Pusa (215).
In Ghaziabad, Loni clocks 328, Vasundhara 318, and Sanjay Nagar 238. Noida’s Sector-125 (323), Sector-116 (322), and Sector-1 (305) remain in red, though Sector-62 offers slight relief at 185. Greater Noida’s Knowledge Park-V hits 338, and Knowledge Park-III 287.
Experts predict rain and winds could disperse pollutants, improving AQI marginally. Residents are urged to limit outdoor activities, wear masks, and stay updated via IMD alerts until conditions stabilize.