In a much-needed relief from the persistent toxic air quality, various areas across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and neighboring regions of the National Capital Region (NCR) experienced light rain during the night spanning Thursday to Friday. The sight of Kartavya Path, ITO, and the Delhi-Noida border adorned with light to moderate-intensity rain brought an abrupt shift in the prevailing weather conditions.
The positive impact on air quality was immediately noticeable, with several air monitoring stations reporting a significant improvement. The Air Quality Index (AQI) at major locations like Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium (99), New Delhi US Embassy (93), and Punjabi Bagh (91) dipped below 100, falling into the ‘good’ category. Connaught Place, a bustling central hub, witnessed an AQI of 85, signifying an overall improvement. This unexpected rainfall coincided with the Delhi government’s strategic plan for artificial rain through cloud seeding scheduled for November 20-21, aimed at alleviating the severe air pollution crisis in the city. In addition to the weather’s contribution, the Delhi government has actively deployed ministers to oversee the implementation of crucial anti-pollution measures.
Residents can look forward to further relief as the forecast predicts additional showers throughout the day. The Regional Meteorological Department (RMC), Delhi, anticipates a partly cloudy sky, mist, and shallow fog in the morning, with the possibility of very light rain or drizzle in isolated areas. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light intensity intermittent rain or drizzle is expected over various locations in Delhi, NCR, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan in the next few hours. The active western disturbance in northwest India, including regions from the Himalayas to Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, is inducing this weather phenomenon.
The maximum and minimum temperatures are projected to hover around 30 and 17 degrees Celsius, providing residents with more comfortable conditions. As the refreshing rains continue to soothe the capital’s atmosphere, this turn of weather events offers a respite to the city’s residents battling the hazardous air quality. The ongoing efforts, combined with the serendipitous rain, create a renewed sense of optimism in the fight against pollution.