New Delhi: The weather in the national capital, Delhi, has completely changed. On Saturday morning, the city was enveloped in dense fog, and the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 257, falling into the ‘poor’ category.
This situation is considered worrying from a health perspective. Experts have advised people to avoid going out unless necessary and to wear masks.
Record Drop in Temperature
Delhi recorded its coldest October day in the last two years. The minimum temperature on Thursday night was recorded at 17 degrees Celsius, slightly below normal. The maximum temperature, however, was 32.3 degrees Celsius, about 0.4 degrees above average.
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that this drop in temperature on Friday was due to seasonal changes and the cooling of winds from North India.
Air Quality Continues to Deteriorate
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the central government’s Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) had already warned that Delhi’s air pollution levels could reach the ‘very poor’ category by Saturday.
This situation is likely to remain between the ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ categories for the next six days. The combination of fog and pollution has also reduced visibility, affecting traffic in the morning.
Increased Cold and Rain in Hill States
Himachal Pradesh experienced an increase in cold weather due to light to moderate rainfall. The minimum temperature in Tabo, Lahaul-Spiti, was recorded at two degrees Celsius below zero. Shimla, Kangra, Sundernagar, and Bhuntar witnessed rain and hailstorms.
The Meteorological Department predicts that a new Western Disturbance will affect the Western Himalayan region around October 27, bringing the possibility of further rain and snowfall in the upper reaches.
Clear Weather Expected in NCR
Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gurugram are expected to have clear weather today. The Meteorological Department has not issued any alerts for these areas. However, light fog may persist during the morning and late night hours.
Weather in other metropolitan cities and states
Mumbai is expected to experience strong winds and thunderstorms. Kolkata currently has clear weather, but heavy rainfall is possible in some areas between October 28th and 30th. Chennai will have normal weather today, but heavy rainfall is forecast for the next three days.
Bhopal will remain cloudy with a possibility of light rain and thunderstorms, while cities like Lucknow, Jaipur, Patna, and Ranchi are expected to have clear weather.
Cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal
The Meteorological Department has reported that cyclonic conditions are developing in both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. The depression formed in the east-central Arabian Sea is likely to move northwards in the next 24 hours, while the depression in the Bay of Bengal may intensify into a cyclonic storm by October 27th.
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Delhi is currently experiencing the combined effects of pollution and fog, while the hilly regions of North India are witnessing increased rainfall and colder temperatures. Meanwhile, cyclonic activity is intensifying in the southern and eastern coastal regions.
Overall, the weather has taken a turn in different parts of the country, and these fluctuations are likely to continue for the next few days.