Residents of the national capital received light rainfall, accompanied by thick fog that obscured visibility across the city on Friday morning. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature for the day was recorded at 12 degrees Celsius, and the maximum is likely to reach 20 degrees Celsius.
Rain and thunderstorms forecast
The IMD has forecast “thundershowers” on Friday and Saturday, with more rains expected to sprinkle Delhi over the weekend. Local resident Deepak Pandey said, “The weather feels like Kashmir now. It’s pleasant and perfect for traveling. The rain has also helped reduce pollution levels.”
Raman Kushwaha, a tourist from Madhya Pradesh, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “It’s cold, but a little rain has made the places to visit pleasant and pollution levels have reduced.” The sight of the road to the work made the town thankful for a light shower of rain, and the darkness made the place more interesting.
Air quality remains ‘very poor’ despite rain
The rains eased slightly, but Delhi's air quality index (AQI) remained at 'very poor' at 371 till 7 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
- Notable AQI Levels Across the City:
- Anand Vihar: 398
- IGI Airport (T3): 340
- Aya Nagar: 360
- Lodhi Road: 345
- ITO: 380
- Chandni Chowk: 315
- Punjabi Bagh: 386
Stage IV GRAP measures revoked
The Central Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked Stage IV (‘Severe+’) measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on December 24, following an improvement in air quality. However, measures under Stages I, II, and III remain in place to prevent further deterioration.
Key decisions under GRAP
- Stage IV was initiated on December 16 when AQI levels breached the 400 mark.
- Restrictions included halting industrial activities, construction, and banning the entry of non-essential trucks into Delhi.
The improvement in air quality is attributed to favorable weather conditions, including improved wind speed. These changes, coupled with the rain, have provided temporary relief but highlight the ongoing challenges in managing Delhi’s air pollution.
Also read | Weather update for December 27: Rain in Delhi, Orange alert in Himachal, dense fog in Rajasthan, Meghalaya
