The above image is a representative, digitally created used for illustrative purposes only.
New Delhi:
Delhi-NCR woke up to a sudden spell of rain early Thursday as a cold front pushed through the region, bringing temperatures down sharply while air quality remained firmly in the “very poor” category.
At around 4:30 a.m., meteorological stations across the National Capital Territory recorded light to moderate rainfall, with a few pockets witnessing brief but intense spells lasting up to 30 minutes. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the showers to a western disturbance interacting with regional moisture conditions. While the rain led to a marginal drop in temperatures, it also disrupted early-morning travel, with traffic congestion reported on key corridors such as the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway and the Outer Ring Road.
Residents in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida and Faridabad reported wet roads and a perceptible change in atmospheric conditions. Relative humidity levels dipped from about 68% in the early hours to nearly 55% by mid-morning. The rainfall, however, was short-lived and did not significantly alter prevailing winter conditions across the region.
Cold Wave Deepens Across the Capital Region
In the wake of the showers, the cold front strengthened, pushing night-time temperatures to around 8°C in central Delhi and close to 5°C in peripheral areas. Day-time highs struggled to rise beyond 15°C, well below the seasonal average of 18–20°C.
The IMD issued a cold-wave advisory, urging people to dress adequately and limit prolonged outdoor exposure, particularly children, senior citizens and those with underlying health conditions.
Power distribution companies in the capital reported a marginal rise in early-morning electricity load, estimated at about 4% higher than the same period last week, as households increased the use of heating appliances. Officials advised consumers to follow energy-conservation practices during peak hours.
Air Quality Continues to Be a Major Concern
Despite the rainfall, air quality showed little improvement. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicated that the Air Quality Index (AQI) hovered in the 310–330 range, remaining in the “very poor” category.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) were identified as the principal pollutants, driven by vehicular emissions, construction activity and crop-residue burning in neighbouring states.
Health experts cautioned that sustained exposure to such pollution levels could aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular ailments. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reiterated advisories asking residents to limit outdoor activity, use N95 masks when stepping out, and keep indoor spaces well-ventilated or equipped with air purifiers where possible.
Authorities continued enforcement measures under the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) framework, including restrictions on diesel generator use, construction dust control, and firecracker bans. However, officials acknowledged that achieving consistent air-quality improvement remains a challenge in the densely populated National Capital Region.
At a Glance
- Rainfall: Early-morning showers began around 4:30 a.m., lasting up to 30 minutes in parts of Delhi-NCR.
- Temperatures: Night lows fell to 5–8°C; day-time highs remained below 15°C.
- Air Quality: AQI stayed in the 310–330 range, classified as “very poor”.
- Health Advisory: Residents advised to reduce outdoor exposure and use protective masks.
- Power Demand: Early-morning electricity load rose by about 4% amid colder conditions.
While the brief showers offered a momentary change in weather, Delhi-NCR continues to grapple with an intense cold wave and hazardous air quality. Residents have been advised to stay alert to official weather updates and strictly follow health and safety advisories in the days ahead.
