Delhi experienced continuous rainfall since Friday morning, resulting in significant waterlogging and traffic congestion in various parts of the city. Visuals from the Burari area highlighted the extent of the waterlogging, which has led to severe traffic snarls as the rain continues to affect daily life.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature in the city was recorded at 12 degrees Celsius, while the maximum reached 19 degrees Celsius. The IMD has also forecasted “thunderstorms with rain” for the day.
Local resident Deepak Pandey commented on the weather, stating, “The weather has become good and it feels like Kashmir. It is cold, but the rain has decreased the level of pollution.”
Air Quality Remains Poor Despite Slight Improvement
While the rain has brought some relief from pollution, the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi remains in the ‘very poor’ category. As of 2 PM, the AQI was measured at 355, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Specific readings included Anand Vihar at 390, IGI Airport (T3) at 314, and Punjabi Bagh at 361.
For comparison, the AQI readings earlier in the day showed Anand Vihar at 398 and IGI Airport (T3) at 340.
The Central government’s air quality monitoring panel had recently revoked Stage IV (‘Severe+’) measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) due to an improvement in air quality. However, measures under Stages I, II, and III remain in effect to prevent further deterioration, as announced by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on December 24.
The improvement in air quality has been attributed to favorable meteorological conditions, including enhanced wind speed, according to forecasts from the IMD and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
