New Delhi: Delhi and the wider National Capital Region woke up to spells of rain on Friday as an active western disturbance brought unsettled weather, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for the region and warning of a further drop in temperatures.
Light showers were reported from several parts of Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad in the early hours, offering brief relief from pollution levels. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed Delhi’s Air Quality Index at 297 around 7 am, marginally better than the previous day.
The IMD said the city is likely to turn colder over the next 24 hours. While Delhi recorded a minimum of 12 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 19 degrees on Thursday, Friday’s forecast indicates a sharper chill, with temperatures expected to range between 7 and 17 degrees Celsius.
An orange nowcast alert has been issued for Delhi, warning of light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. The alert, valid till the forenoon hours, cautions of wind speeds reaching 40 to 60 kmph. Similar conditions are likely across parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Haryana, west Uttar Pradesh and north Rajasthan.
The weather department said the influence of the western disturbance will continue through the day, bringing clouds, rain, lightning and strong winds across northwestern India.
In its detailed forecast, the IMD said Delhi can expect a generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of light rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds during the morning and forenoon hours. Another round of very light to light rain is likely in the afternoon or evening. Shallow fog is also expected during the morning, and commuters have been advised to exercise caution.
A yellow alert is also in place for the day, signalling the possibility of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in multiple time windows from morning through night. While a yellow alert serves as an advisory to remain vigilant, an orange alert indicates more severe conditions and urges authorities to stay prepared for emergency responses.
Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of strong winds and thunderstorms and to stay updated on weather developments through official advisories.
