Rain Lashes Delhi-NCR, IMD Issues Yellow Alert; AQI Remains ‘Poor’

Moderate rainfall lashed Delhi-NCR on Thursday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert, forecasting thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across the national capital and neighbouring regions. The unsettled weather is likely to continue on Friday, with isolated hailstorms likely in Delhi, Haryana and Chandigarh until October 30.

The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall at several places, accompanied by lightning and strong winds. Wind speeds could reach 40-50 kmph during the morning, while gusts of 30-40 kmph are likely during the remainder of the day.

The maximum and minimum temperatures in Delhi is likely to settle at 27 degrees Celsius and 17 degrees Celsius, respectively, on Thursday. The weather department has advised residents to exercise caution during lightning, hailstorms and periods of strong winds.

Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘poor’ category on Thursday morning, with the city-level Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 227 at 8 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) All India AQI portal. PM2.5 and PM10 remained the prominent pollutants.

Uttam Nagar recorded an AQI of 340, followed by Dwarka Sector 8 at 308, both in the ‘very poor’ category. CRRI Mathura Road (299), Punjabi Bagh (285), Chandni Chowk (272), Pusa (271), NSIT Dwarka (270), Sirifort (268), IGI Airport Terminal 3 (266), Nangloi (260), NSUT Jaffarpur (253), Alipur (250), Najafgarh (243), Mandir Marg (230), Anand Vihar (227) and Burari Crossing (226) recorded ‘poor’ air quality.

Meanwhile, Ghummanhera (197), Karala (198), Burari (174), Vasundhara Enclave (171), Jharoda Kalan (161), Badarpur (159) and Chhawla (154) recorded moderate air quality.

According to CPCB standards, AQI readings of 101-200 indicate moderate, 201-300 poor and 301-400 very poor air quality. Prolonged exposure can cause breathing discomfort and respiratory illnesses.

Also Read: Delhi-NCR Rain Likely Till November 1 As Air Quality Deteriorates To ‘Poor’