As the national capital gears up for a crucial day of voting in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, the weather department has forecast light rain and foggy conditions across the city, which could impact voter turnout and travel. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi is expected to experience cloudy skies and intermittent light showers throughout the day, with temperatures dropping slightly due to the weather conditions. These rain and foggy conditions are expected to persist until February 7, when a fresh western disturbance is anticipated to bring changes in the weather.
Residents of Delhi can expect temperatures ranging between 9 and 25 degrees Celsius, providing some respite from the warm temperatures seen during January. The IMD’s forecast indicates that the maximum temperature for the day will be around 26 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected to be 12.8 degrees Celsius. However, high humidity levels, expected to reach 95 percent, will accompany the rain, making it a damp and foggy day in the city.
Air quality in the capital has been deteriorating in recent days, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) showing a slight worsening since February 4. As per the Central Pollution Control Board, areas like Anand Vihar and Chandni Chowk have recorded AQI levels of 336 and 328, respectively, indicating a “very poor” air quality status. The air quality in Burari Crossing was also recorded at an AQI of 260, which falls in the “very poor” category. Just two days ago, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR) lifted the stage-3 measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) designed to tackle air pollution, allowing for normal operations in the city once again.
The weather conditions, including rain and fog, may create challenges for voters and their ability to travel to polling stations, potentially affecting voter turnout. Despite these weather challenges, the Election Commission has assured that polling will proceed smoothly across the 70 constituencies in Delhi, with voting set to begin at 7 am and conclude by 6 pm.
Approximately 1.56 crore eligible voters are set to cast their ballots in the election, including 83.76 lakh men, 72.36 lakh women, and 1,267 individuals from the third gender. A total of 13,766 polling stations are set up across 19 city centers, where voters will determine the fate of 699 candidates vying for the 70 Assembly seats. These elections are crucial for Delhi’s political landscape, as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) seeks a third consecutive term, while both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress are hoping to make a political comeback.
As the day unfolds, political analysts will closely monitor the voter turnout and the potential impact of weather-related disruptions. With the results of the election set to be announced on February 8, the weather will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the dynamics of the voting process in the national capital.
