Delhi experienced a dramatic shift in weather on Friday as heavy rain, chilly winds, and thunderstorms enveloped the city, transforming the usual bustle into a scene reminiscent of a hill station. The national capital woke up to light rain and drizzle in several areas, accompanied by a dense layer of fog that significantly reduced visibility. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a minimum temperature of 12°C and a maximum of 20°C, marking a cold and damp day for Delhi and its neighboring regions.
The IMD has forecasted “thunderstorms with rain” for Friday and Saturday, with more showers expected to drench the city over the weekend. An orange alert has been issued, predicting light to moderate rainfall along with thunderstorms, lightning, and isolated hailstorms across Northwest and Central India, including Delhi-NCR. The weather department has warned of potential disruptions, advising residents to exercise caution during this period.
Traffic congestion, slippery roads, and slower journey times are anticipated due to wet and foggy conditions. IMD has advised citizens to follow traffic guidelines and avoid touching open electric wires or standing near electric poles. “Keep away from objects that conduct electricity,” the department stated, highlighting the risks posed by thunderstorms.
While the rain brought a welcome respite from pollution and a dip in temperatures, the air quality index (AQI) remained firmly in the ‘very poor’ category. At 8 a.m., the AQI was recorded at 372, indicating that the showers have had minimal impact on the city’s persistent pollution woes.
Despite these challenges, residents embraced the weather with enthusiasm. Many compared the cold, rainy conditions to those of hill stations like Kashmir. Local resident Deepak Pandey expressed delight, saying, “The weather has become so pleasant and one could travel in it. It is cold, but the rain has decreased the level of pollution.”
The wet conditions also affected air travel. IndiGo issued a travel advisory urging passengers to plan their journeys carefully. “With clouds hovering over Delhi and intermittent rain expected throughout the day, please plan your journey accordingly. We recommend checking your flight status before heading to the airport to stay updated on any potential schedule changes,” the airline stated.
As Delhi braces for continued rainfall and thunderstorms, the city grapples with both the joys of refreshing weather and the challenges posed by persistent air quality issues and reduced visibility.
