IMD Issues Weather Alert for Gurgaon and Haryana
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast predicting isolated rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning for Tuesday and Wednesday. This weather activity is expected to affect several parts of Haryana, including the city of Gurgaon. The announcement comes as the region experiences fluctuating temperatures and changing atmospheric conditions.
Temperature Trends and Weather Patterns
On Saturday, Gurgaon recorded a minimum temperature of 9 degrees Celsius, which was slightly lower than the previous day's 9.9 degrees Celsius. Despite this minor dip, the IMD has indicated that there will be no significant change in night temperatures over the next 24 hours. Following this period, a gradual increase of 2–3 degrees Celsius is anticipated in the subsequent days.
The daytime weather remained pleasantly warm and comfortable, with ample sunshine pushing the maximum temperature to 25.4 degrees Celsius. This marked an increase from 24.5 degrees Celsius recorded a day earlier, providing residents with a respite from the cooler nights.
Meteorological Factors Behind the Forecast
According to IMD officials, several meteorological systems are influencing the weather in the region. An upper air cyclonic circulation is currently situated over the east Equatorial Indian Ocean and the adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal. Additionally, the subtropical westerly jet stream continues to prevail over North India, while another upper air cyclonic circulation lies over northeast Assam and its neighbouring areas.
A western disturbance is expected to impact northwest India starting Monday, which will trigger light rainfall at isolated places across Haryana. Districts likely to receive showers include Sirsa, Fatehabad, Mahendragarh, Rewari, Gurgaon, and Nuh.
Impact of Western Disturbance
An IMD official explained, "Nights are likely to be relatively warmer due to cloudy conditions and a change in wind directions owing to the western disturbance. Isolated pockets in Haryana may also see some rainfall activity on February 17 and 18." This disturbance is a key factor in the predicted weather changes, bringing both precipitation and altered temperature patterns.
The IMD forecast for Sunday indicates generally clear skies, with minimum and maximum temperatures expected to hover around 10 and 26 degrees Celsius, respectively. This suggests a brief period of stability before the anticipated rainfall early next week.
Air Quality Deterioration in Gurgaon
Meanwhile, Gurgaon's air quality has taken a turn for the worse. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) deteriorated further into the poor category, registering a reading of 276. This represents a significant decline from the AQI of 237 recorded on Friday, highlighting growing concerns about pollution levels in the area.
The combination of changing weather conditions and poor air quality underscores the need for residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions. As the IMD continues to monitor the situation, updates will be crucial for planning daily activities and ensuring health and safety.
