Residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) woke up to an unexpected weather event on Friday morning as a sudden spell of rain swept across the area, intensifying the already biting cold wave. The surprise showers did little to wash away the city's pollution woes, with the air quality index (AQI) remaining alarmingly high in the 'very poor' category.
Unexpected Downpour Worsens Winter Chill
Dark clouds gathered over the region in the pre-dawn hours, leading to rainfall around 6 am. The intensity varied, starting heavy in some parts before turning into a light drizzle. The rain was accompanied by cold northwesterly winds, which significantly increased the chill factor, making it feel much colder than the recorded temperatures. Notably, Gurugram also received rain despite no specific forecast predicting it for the city.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded Friday's minimum temperature in Delhi around 5 degrees Celsius, with a maximum expected to reach 16 to 17 degrees Celsius. This follows Thursday's reading at the Safdarjung observatory, which marked the season's coldest day so far with a minimum of 5.8 degrees Celsius, nearly a degree below normal. Lodhi Road reported a similar low of 6.1 degrees Celsius.
Pollution Persists Despite Rain, Fog Alert Issued
Contrary to hopes that the rain would cleanse the air, pollution levels remained dangerously elevated. At 8 am on Friday, the average AQI for Delhi stood at around 321, firmly in the 'very poor' zone. The situation was no better in neighbouring cities, with Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad also recording AQI levels in a similarly hazardous range.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for dense fog in Delhi-NCR for Friday and Saturday, warning residents of significantly reduced visibility. Winds blowing at speeds of around 13 kilometres per hour are likely to make daytime conditions feel even colder, despite some sunshine over the past two days.
Extended Cold Spell Forecast for North India
The weather department has indicated that there will be no significant change in minimum temperatures over the next few days. Cold nights are expected to persist, and 'cold-day' conditions—where the maximum temperature remains significantly below normal—are also likely to continue.
Meanwhile, the IMD has forecast contrasting weather for other parts of the country. While northern and central regions brace for severe cold and dense fog, parts of southern India are on alert for heavy rainfall.
