Delhi and parts of North India are grappling with extreme weather conditions as heavy rainfall and a sharp drop in temperatures dominate the region. On Friday, Delhi experienced moderate to heavy rain, causing waterlogging and disruptions to daily life. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a hailstorm alert, along with an ‘orange’ alert for Delhi, signaling intense weather activity in the capital.
Heavy Rain in Delhi Brings Traffic and Temperature Troubles
The rain, which began early Friday morning, persisted throughout the day, plunging the Delhi temperature today to 15°C—a significant 10-degree drop from the previous day. The difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures was a mere 3°C, intensifying the city’s chill.
- Rainfall Impact: Areas like South, Central, and North Delhi witnessed traffic snarls and waterlogging in low-lying regions. The heaviest rain was recorded at Delhi University’s North Campus.
- Cold Wave: Following the rainfall, today’s weather in Delhi was characterized by bitter cold and dark skies, creating challenging conditions for residents.
Hailstorm and Heavy Rainfall Alerts for North India
The IMD has issued a hailstorm alert for multiple regions, including Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab. An ‘orange’ alert has been declared for Delhi for Friday, with a ‘yellow’ alert in place for Saturday and Sunday, indicating that adverse weather conditions are expected to continue.
Weather Forecast Highlights:
- Rain Today: Showers are likely to continue, fueled by a Western Disturbance interacting with easterly winds.
- Regional Impact: Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, East Rajasthan, and parts of Madhya Pradesh.
- Snowfall: The Western Himalayan Region is predicted to experience widespread rainfall and snowfall, with isolated heavy showers in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Air Quality in Delhi (AQI Delhi)
The Delhi AQI showed slight improvement after the rainfall, as showers helped clear some pollutants from the atmosphere. However, the long-term air quality impact remains a concern as colder temperatures and high humidity can trap pollutants closer to the ground.
Weather in Rajasthan: Rain and Chill
In Rajasthan, light to moderate rain was reported across several regions, with Churu recording the lowest temperature at 5.4°C. Night temperatures in the state ranged from 5.4°C to 17.2°C, reflecting a marginal rise despite the ongoing cold wave conditions.
Precautionary Measures for Residents
- Stay Updated: Follow live weather updates and alerts from the IMD to stay informed about today’s weather in Delhi and other affected regions.
- Dress Warmly: With bitter cold prevailing, layer up to protect yourself from sudden temperature drops.
- Plan Travel Carefully: Expect traffic delays due to waterlogging and rain. Use weather apps to monitor live weather conditions in real-time.
Conclusion
The ongoing spell of extreme rainfall and cold in Delhi and North India underscores the need to prepare for sudden weather changes. With more rain and hailstorms predicted, the weather forecast for Delhi signals continued disruptions but also brings a glimmer of relief for the city’s air quality. Stay safe, plan ahead, and keep an eye on the latest weather reports today to navigate these challenging conditions.
