Delhi Braces for Wet Friday with Significant Rainfall and Pollution Challenges
New Delhi residents are waking up to a damp Friday morning on January 23, 2026, with moderate rainfall expected throughout the day. The weather conditions are set to significantly impact commute plans across the capital city, as showers maintain a high probability of occurring during peak travel hours.
Detailed Weather Forecast for the Capital
The meteorological outlook indicates temperatures will remain relatively mild for late January, with a maximum of approximately 18.1°C and a minimum near 12.9°C. This results in an average temperature close to 16°C, which might seem comfortable theoretically but will feel damp and chilly in practice due to precipitation.
Humidity levels are elevated at about 64%, creating that characteristic clammy, sticky atmosphere that often accompanies winter rain in Delhi. Wind speeds may reach roughly 23.4 km/h at intervals, making open areas and flyovers feel noticeably cooler, especially when combined with wet conditions.
The precipitation probability stands remarkably high at 93%, with an expected rainfall accumulation of 13.19 mm throughout the day. This suggests residents should prepare for more than just a light drizzle, with periods of steadier rain likely from late morning into afternoon hours when cloud cover typically persists.
Visibility and Commuting Considerations
Visibility averages around 9.3 km, which is generally acceptable for most activities. However, sudden showers could cause brief reductions in visibility, particularly during critical commuting periods. Drivers should exercise extra caution during evening rush hour when wet roads and headlight glare can create challenging driving conditions.
Sunrise occurs at 7:13 AM with sunset at 5:52 PM, indicating relatively short daylight hours. For those planning outdoor errands, the most practical approach involves monitoring weather patterns and utilizing breaks between rain spells rather than expecting extended dry periods.
Persistent Air Quality Concerns Despite Rainfall
While rainfall typically helps cleanse atmospheric pollutants, New Delhi faces lingering air quality issues from Thursday's severe readings. January 22 recorded extremely poor air quality with an AQI-IN measurement of 371, placing the city firmly in the "severe" category.
The US AQI equivalent registered at 326, with particulate pollution dominating the atmospheric composition. Measurements included PM2.5 at 217, PM10 at 281, and CO levels elevated to 409, creating significant respiratory stress for vulnerable populations.
These pollution levels commonly trigger health symptoms including throat irritation, persistent coughing, headaches, and breathing difficulties. Children, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions remain particularly susceptible.
Health Recommendations and Practical Precautions
Residents venturing outdoors should consider carrying both rain protection and pollution mitigation measures. Practical recommendations include:
- Keeping masks readily available, especially in traffic-heavy zones
- Carrying umbrellas or light rain jackets given the high precipitation probability
- Wearing closed shoes with proper grip to navigate potentially slushy footpaths
- Allowing extra commute time for waterlogging-prone routes and slower traffic
- Limiting prolonged outdoor physical activities given the pollution levels
- Maintaining indoor air quality by closing windows during peak congestion hours
- Consuming warm fluids to alleviate irritation from particulate exposure
Weekly Weather Outlook and Pollution Perspective
The forecast for subsequent days shows fluctuating conditions:
- Saturday, January 24: Partly cloudy with warmer daytime highs near 19.1°C but sharper nighttime drops to approximately 9.6°C
- Sunday, January 25: Dry but overcast conditions with similar temperatures and reduced humidity
- Monday, January 26: Potentially the best outdoor day with sunny skies, highs around 20.5°C, and light winds
- Tuesday-Wednesday, January 27-28: Return of patchy rain with 84% and 76% probabilities respectively, accompanied by increased humidity
- Thursday, January 29: Partly cloudy and dry conditions with pleasant highs near 20.9°C
While Thursday's severe AQI reading of 371 represents concerning pollution levels, meteorological experts note this actually represents some improvement compared to earlier "severe-plus" readings during the preceding week. This suggests any rain-induced atmospheric cleansing throughout the coming days could provide gradual, though potentially limited, relief from the persistent pollution.
Weather and air quality data referenced in this forecast originates from established meteorological monitoring sources serving the National Capital Region.
