Overnight showers bring relief to Delhi-NCR; IMD issues rain alerts

Parts of Delhi and the surrounding NCR region woke up to light rain on Tuesday morning following overnight showers. Early hours saw thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph. Visuals from Dhaula Kuan and nearby areas showed light rainfall, providing residents with a cool and refreshing start to the day.

 

Despite the rainfall, Delhi-NCR’s temperatures are expected to stay a touch above seasonal averages this week. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that while minimum temperatures will remain close to normal, daytime highs may rise 1–2 degrees Celsius above usual levels. On Tuesday the maximum temperature in Delhi is likely to remain around 27 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may hover near 21 degrees Celsius.

 

IMD issues rainfall alerts

 

The IMD has placed Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad under an orange alert for potential rainfall and thunderstorms, advising residents to exercise caution. Gurugram and Faridabad have received yellow warnings for moderate showers and winds.

 

The western disturbance responsible for rainfall in Delhi-NCR has also brought fresh snowfall to the upper Himalayas. According to IMD officials, northwesterly winds are expected to sweep into the plains, causing minimum temperatures to drop below 20 degrees Celsius from Wednesday. 

 

Rain improves air quality temporarily

 

The showers and moderate north-northeast winds have brought temporary relief to air quality in Delhi-NCR. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 70 on October 7, compared with an average of 105 on October 6.

 

AQI readings for nearby areas included:

 

Gurugram: 104

 

Noida: 130

 

Greater Noida: 166

 

Ghaziabad: 134

 

According to the CPCB, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. 

 

Weekly weather forecast

 

The IMD has forecast gradual weather changes across Delhi-NCR from October 7 to 12. On October 7, the region is likely to experience light to moderate rain with cloudy skies, with maximum temperatures to stay around 28 degrees Celsius. Rain is expected to ease on October 8, giving way to partly cloudy skies and a slight warming. Clear skies and bright sunshine are predicted on October 9 and 10.

 

By October 11, the maximum temperature could climb to 33 degrees Celsius, while on October 12, the minimum may rise slightly to 22 degrees Celsius, with clear skies continuing across the region.