New Delhi: The national capital experienced one of its coldest Republic Days in five years on Monday, with temperatures dipping to as low as 3.6 degrees
Celsius. The biting cold was accompanied by toxic air, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) slipped back into the “poor” category after two days of relief marked by “moderate” air quality following recent showers.
Delhiites last experienced such severe cold on January 26, 2021, when the minimum temperature had dropped to 2.1 degrees Celsius. During the latter half of the day, temperatures rose slightly as a western disturbance approached, which is expected to bring light showers on Tuesday
IMD issues yellow alert for Tuesday
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for rain and thunderstorms in parts of Delhi-NCR on Tuesday. The cold wave, accompanied by the western disturbance, is likely to bring light to moderate rainfall, along with gusty winds and possible hailstorms.
Weather conditions are also expected to witness thunderstorms and lightning, marking a significant shift in the overall pattern across the NCR. This change is likely to bring rainfall to parts of the western Himalayan region over the next 48 hours.
AQI slips to poor again
After a brief spell of cleaner air in the days leading up to Republic Day, Delhi’s air quality deteriorated again, with AQI readings ranging between 241 and 281 on Monday morning.
Earlier this month, about of rain had helped clear the smog and temporarily improve Delhi’s air quality; however, the relief was short-lived as stagnant weather conditions allowed pollutants to accumulate once again.
Dos and don’ts for changing weather patterns
With cold mornings, worsening air quality, and an approaching rain system, Delhiites should be prepared for changing conditions in the coming days. Cold and damp weather is likely to persist, especially during early mornings and late nights, while rain, thunderstorms, and lightning are expected, particularly on Tuesday. Air quality levels may also remain poor despite the anticipated rainfall.
