Gurgaon Weather Update: Western Disturbance to Bring Rain, Thunderstorms
A fresh western disturbance is set to impact north-west India starting March 14, bringing prospects of light rainfall and thunderstorms across parts of Haryana over the coming days, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The weather agency's latest state forecast, issued by the Chandigarh centre on Wednesday, indicates isolated light rain in the state on March 12 and again between March 14 and March 17. Dry conditions are expected to prevail on March 13 and March 18.
Temperature Trends and Weather Patterns
On Thursday, Gurgaon recorded a maximum temperature of 35.8°C, with a minimum of 18.1°C at the NorthCap University station. Across Haryana, the average maximum temperature decreased by 3.1°C compared to the previous day but remained approximately 5°C above normal, signaling warmer-than-usual conditions. Palwal registered the state's highest temperature at 36.7°C.
Minimum temperatures in Haryana rose by an average of 0.9°C and stayed around 4.5°C above normal. Mahendragarh recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 15.9°C.
The IMD bulletin notes that a current western disturbance persists as a trough in the middle-level tropospheric westerlies at about 5.8km above mean sea level, with its axis along longitude 69°E north of latitude 33°N. Another western disturbance is anticipated to influence north-west India from March 14 onward.
Warning Issued: The department has issued a caution for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30 to 40kmph at isolated locations in Haryana on March 15, March 16, and March 17. Due to these changing weather conditions, maximum temperatures across the state are likely to drop by 2 to 3°C over the next 48 hours, with no significant changes expected thereafter.
Air Quality Crisis: Gurgaon's AQI Plummets to 'Very Poor'
Simultaneously, Gurgaon's air quality deteriorated to the 'very poor' category on Thursday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 301. Monitoring stations at Vikas Sadan and Sector 51 recorded 'very poor' air at 363 and 337, respectively, while the NISE station at Gwal Pahari registered 'poor' air at 202.
Pollution Trends and Health Implications
The city's AQI has been worsening over recent days: it stood at 257 on March 9, increased to 307 on March 10, was 304 on March 11, and reached 301 on March 12. This rise is primarily driven by PM2.5, fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.
According to AQI classification, readings between 301 and 400 fall into the 'very poor' category, posing risks of respiratory illness after prolonged exposure and exacerbating health conditions among vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with lung diseases.
On Thursday, Gwal Pahari recorded the highest PM2.5 concentration at 354 µg/m³, followed by Teri Gram (312 µg/m³), Sector 51 (267 µg/m³), and Vikas Sadan (234 µg/m³). PM10 levels were noted at 321 µg/m³ in Gwal Pahari and 243 µg/m³ in Sector 51. Vikas Sadan does not monitor PM10. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) sets permissible limits at 60 µg/m³ for PM2.5 and 100 µg/m³ for PM10 for a 24-hour average.
Expert Insights and Pollution Sources
Experts highlight that the surge in pollution during March, typically a cleaner period, underscores a year-round air quality challenge. Key pollution sources include open garbage burning, dust, traffic emissions, and construction activities.
An official from the Haryana State Pollution Control Board stated, "We directed the city's municipal body to monitor traffic congestion hotspots and construction activities, which contribute indirectly to ozone formation."
Gurgaon's waste management system has faced strain for years. In June 2024, the Haryana government declared a 'solid waste exigency' in the city and launched the Solid Waste Environment Exigency Programme (SWEEP). This initiative established joint teams from the district administration, Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG), and Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) to oversee cleanliness and reduce garbage accumulation.
