Gurgaon Weather Alert: IMD Predicts Thunderstorms and Strong Winds After Unusually Warm Day
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather warning for Gurgaon, forecasting light rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds gusting up to 40 kilometers per hour over parts of the city early on Friday. This alert comes after an unusually warm Thursday, when the maximum temperature was recorded at 23.2 degrees Celsius.
Temperature Trends Across Haryana Show Significant Rise
IMD data reveals that maximum temperatures across Haryana were "appreciably above normal" on Thursday. The state's average maximum temperature increased by 0.6°C from the previous day and remained 4.8°C above the normal range for this time of year.
Persistent Air Pollution Crisis in Gurgaon
Meanwhile, Gurgaon's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category for the eighth consecutive day on Thursday. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 366, with two monitoring stations recording 'severe' pollution levels, indicating persistent toxic pockets across the district.
Of the three active monitoring stations in the city:
- Vikas Sadan recorded an AQI of 405
- Sector 51 logged 402
- The IMD station at Gwal Pahari reported a comparatively lower AQI of 291
Both Vikas Sadan and Sector 51 readings above 400 fall into the 'severe' category on the national scale.
January Pollution Data Shows Consistently High Levels
A day-wise pollution chart for January reveals PM2.5 levels remained consistently high throughout the month:
- Several days crossed the 300 mark
- Some days exceeded 370
- This indicates a prolonged spell of fine particulate pollution
The city-level AQI readings for recent days were:
- 358 on January 21
- 394 on January 20
- 379 on January 19
Health Risks Associated with Poor Air Quality
PM2.5 is considered among the most harmful pollutants as it can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Medical professionals warn that continued exposure to such pollution levels can cause:
- Breathing difficulties
- Persistent cough
- Eye irritation
- Headaches
Children, the elderly, and people with asthma or heart conditions face higher health risks during such pollution episodes. Residents across several sectors have reported avoiding outdoor activities due to the poor air quality.
Factors Contributing to the Pollution Crisis
Environmental experts attribute the deteriorating air quality to winter conditions including:
- Low wind speeds
- Temperature inversion patterns
- These meteorological factors trap pollutants close to the surface even when emission levels remain unchanged
Environmentalists emphasize the need for stricter monitoring to curb:
- Dust pollution
- Construction-related violations
- Vehicular emissions during sharp pollution spikes
Air Quality Classification and Forecast
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classification:
- 0-50: Good
- 51-100: Satisfactory
- 101-200: Moderate
- 201-300: Poor
- 301-400: Very Poor
- 401-500: Severe
The Decision Support System (DSS) forecast indicates Delhi and the National Capital Region may experience generally cloudy skies with spells of light rain accompanied by thunderstorms or lightning and gusty winds over the next two days, which could help pollutant dispersion.
Air Quality Outlook for Coming Days
The air quality forecast for Gurgaon suggests:
- January 22: Likely to remain 'very poor'
- January 23-24: Expected to improve to 'moderate'
- January 25: Predicted to stay 'poor'
- Following days: Outlook remains 'poor' to 'very poor'
Officials note that pollutant dispersion continues to be limited due to unfavorable ventilation conditions. The ventilation index is expected to remain low on January 22, which is considered unfavorable for dispersal, particularly when wind speeds stay below 10 kilometers per hour.
