Delhi-NCR Enjoys Cool Breeze As IMD Forecasts Rain; Thunderstorms Over Weekend

Delhi-NCR residents woke up to pleasant weather and cool breezes on Saturday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting rainfall across several areas over the weekend.

Thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds reaching 50 kmph are likely in parts of the National Capital. The weather shift stems from a western disturbance and a cyclonic circulation over neighbouring regions.

The IMD has forecast thunderstorms in Delhi and adjoining states due to a western disturbance over northern Pakistan and nearby areas.

An upper-air cyclonic circulation over Haryana and adjoining northwestern Uttar Pradesh may further influence the weather.

Dust levels continue to affect air quality across Delhi-NCR. On Friday, Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 173 at 9.30 AM, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Safdarjung recorded a minimum of 25.2°C, while Lodhi Road registered 24.2°C. Both were 4.2°C above normal.

Ayanagar recorded a minimum temperature of 24.7 degrees Celsius, 3.8 degrees above normal. The Ridge and Palam stations registered minimum temperatures of 23.8 degrees Celsius and 22.7 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has stepped up efforts to curb dust emissions from construction sites. It is conducting routine and surprise inspections at ongoing government and private projects across the Capital.

Authorities issued show-cause notices to agencies, including government bodies, after finding dust-control violations at several sites.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Friday that authorities must enforce pollution-control rules without exception. She said the government prioritised effective implementation of prescribed measures at all construction projects.

Gupta warned that officials would take action against violators. She stressed that no government department, construction agency, contractor or private company stood above the law, and that identical pollution-control standards applied to public and private projects.

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