A potent mix of adverse weather and choking pollution grips Delhi-NCR as IMD sounds a yellow alert for January 23, predicting thunderous rains and winds gusting 30-40 kmph that could batter the area all day long.
January 22 offered a respite with 25°C highs and 7°C lows, sans any warnings. Come January 23, conditions deteriorate sharply: daytime highs at 20°C, nights around 13°C, punctuated by relentless showers, thunder, and gales from early morning through late evening.
Colder days follow suit. The 24th eyes 20°C maximums and 7°C minimums with moderate morning fog; the 25th drops to 6°C lows, heightening risks for vulnerable groups.
Air pollution exacerbates the crisis. Alarming AQI figures include Ghaziabad’s 375 in Loni/Vasundhara, 341 in Indirapuram, 270 in Sanjay Nagar; Noida’s 338 (Sec-125), 325 (Sec-1), 337 (Sec-116). Delhi stations report Anand Vihar 382, Chandni Chowk 363, RK Puram 359, Punjabi Bagh/Pusa 345, Dwarka Sec-8 342, Ashok Vihar 333—many in severe territory.
While rain might dilute pollutants temporarily, experts warn of rebound effects from post-rain chill and fog. Citizens should prepare: stock essentials, heed evacuation if needed, limit exposure to polluted air, and track real-time forecasts for safety.