Rain, thunderstorms lash Delhi-NCR; more showers likely, temperatures to dip

Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms Lash Delhi-NCR; Temperatures to Drop Sharply

Several parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) experienced moderate rain and thunderstorms on Friday morning, with temperatures expected to fall significantly. The showers are likely to continue in the capital for the next two hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said at 7:30 am.

An orange alert has been issued for thunderstorms and rain in Delhi-NCR, as well as in adjoining areas of Punjab and Haryana.

The IMD attributed the rainfall to an active western disturbance, which is bringing cloudy skies and precipitation to the region. Additional spells of rain are expected in the afternoon, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph.

Delhi recorded its warmest January day in seven years on Thursday, with the mercury touching 27.1°C. However, Friday will see a sharp drop, with the maximum temperature expected around 19°C and the minimum at 12°C.

Meanwhile, air quality in Delhi showed slight improvement but remained in the ‘very poor’ category, with an AQI of 302. Noida recorded 293 (‘poor’), and Gurugram 272 (‘poor’). Forecasts from the Air Quality and Weather Forecasting System (AQWS) suggest air quality will remain ‘moderate’ on January 23–24, before deteriorating to ‘poor’ on January 25.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR due to improved air quality, though measures under Stages I and II remain in effect.

North India Braces for Western Disturbance

Rain lashed parts of Jammu on Thursday, intensifying the cold wave conditions in the region. The IMD has also forecast rain and snowfall across Uttarakhand, issuing an orange alert for several districts.

Heavy rain and snowfall are expected in Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli, while Bageshwar and Pithoragarh may also receive precipitation. A yellow alert has been issued for remaining districts due to the possibility of hailstorms and strong winds.

The fresh spell of rain and snow is expected to provide much-needed relief from dry conditions and could reduce the risk of forest fires in the hill state.