The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued critical weather alerts for Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), forecasting a significant spell of rainfall and thunderstorms that is expected to commence by Tuesday noon. This fresh weather system brings with it the potential for cold wave conditions across the region, prompting authorities to sound red and orange alerts for various parts of the city.
IMD Issues Severe Weather Warnings for Delhi-NCR
According to the latest IMD bulletin, North and Northwest Delhi are under a red alert, indicating a high probability of hailstorms, thunderstorms, moderate to heavy rainfall, and lightning. Specific areas including Narela, Bawana, Alipur, Kanjhawala, Rohini, Mundaka, and Jafarpur are likely to experience these severe weather conditions. An orange alert has been sounded for West and Southwest Delhi, where thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rain are anticipated. Meanwhile, Central, South, and East Delhi can expect lighter rainfall during this period.
NCR Regions on High Alert
In the broader NCR, several areas are bracing for thunderstorms within the next two hours. Locations such as Bahadurgarh, Safidon, Barwala, Meham, Kharkhoda, Farukhnagar, Tizara, and parts of Rajasthan are expected to be affected. The IMD has warned that similar weather patterns are likely to persist over Delhi-NCR on Wednesday, with wind speeds potentially reaching around 60 km/hr, adding to the hazardous conditions.
Week-Long Weather Forecast and Temperature Trends
The IMD predicts that the region will experience a generally cloudy sky over the next seven days, with some respite expected on January 29 and 31 when conditions may turn partly cloudy. This prolonged cloud cover, combined with the rainfall, is likely to result in cold wave conditions across Delhi-NCR.
Temperature readings from Tuesday morning highlight the chilly conditions, with Delhi recording a minimum temperature of 8 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature is forecast to be around 19 degrees Celsius. Data from IMD's base station at Safdarjung showed a minimum temperature of 8 degrees Celsius, which is 0.4 notches below the normal range for this time of year. Other stations reported similar figures: Palam at 9.2 degrees Celsius, Lodhi Road at 8.4 degrees Celsius, Ridge at 8.7 degrees Celsius, and Ayanagar at 8.2 degrees Celsius.
Air Quality Concerns Amid Weather Changes
Despite the rainfall, air quality in Delhi remains a significant concern. As of Tuesday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) hovered well above 300, placing it in the 'very poor' category across most stations. Exceptions were noted in some areas of New Delhi and South Delhi, where air quality ranged in the 'poor' category. The IMD forecasts that the AQI may drop further to 340 during the day, maintaining the 'very poor' classification.
This marks a stark contrast to recent conditions. On Saturday, following a previous spell of rain, Delhi recorded an AQI of 184, which falls under the 'moderate' category according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. Prior to this, the city had not seen air quality in the 'moderate' range since October 13, 2025, when the AQI was 189.
Residents are advised to take necessary precautions, stay indoors during severe weather, and monitor official updates from the IMD and local authorities as the situation develops.
