Storm clouds are gathering over Delhi-NCR with IMD’s yellow alert signaling heavy downpours, thunder, and fierce gusts up to 40 kmph on January 23. This sudden change threatens to upend routines in the bustling capital region.
Tuesday, January 22, saw mild conditions with highs near 25°C and lows at 7°C—no alerts issued. But Wednesday flips the script: expect 20°C maxima and 13°C minima amid nonstop rain, lightning flashes, and blustery winds hitting every hour from dawn to dusk.
The mercury will plummet further afterward. January 24 forecasts 20°C highs and 7°C lows with morning fog, worsening to 6°C minimums on the 25th. Visibility could be hampered, complicating travel.
Air quality paints an even grimmer picture. Severe AQI readings dominate: Ghaziabad’s Loni and Vasundhara at 375, Indirapuram 341, Sanjay Nagar 270; Noida’s sectors at 338 (125), 325 (1), 337 (116). In Delhi, Anand Vihar hits 382, Chandni Chowk 363, RK Puram 359, Punjabi Bagh/Pusa 345, Dwarka Sec-8 342, Ashok Vihar 333—levels hazardous to health.
Meteorologists note that January 23’s precipitation may cleanse the air briefly, yet ensuing fog and cold snap could trap pollutants again. Authorities recommend caution: secure outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel during peaks, and prioritize health amid toxic skies.