Unsettled Weather Grips the National Capital

Moderate rainfall lashed parts of the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) on Thursday, accompanied by gusty winds and overcast skies, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a yellow alert. The weather office has forecast that the unsettled conditions will persist through Friday, with isolated hailstorms potentially affecting Delhi, Haryana, and Chandigarh.

The IMD predicts light to moderate rainfall spells across multiple locations, driven by active weather systems moving through the region. Surface winds are expected to reach speeds of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour during morning hours, tapering down to 30 to 40 kilometers per hour through the remainder of the day. Temperatures in the national capital are projected to hover around a maximum of 27 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 17 degrees Celsius.

Authorities have advised residents to exercise caution during periods of intense lightning, sudden gusts, and potential hailstorms over the coming days.

Air Quality Plagued by Stagnation

While precipitation typically offers a cleansing effect, Delhi's air quality remained firmly entrenched in the 'poor' category on Thursday morning. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) All India AQI portal, the city-wide Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 227 at 8:00 AM, with PM2.5 and PM10 identified as the primary atmospheric pollutants.

Pollution levels varied significantly across monitoring stations:

* Very Poor (AQI 301-400): Uttam Nagar recorded the city's highest reading at 340, followed closely by Dwarka Sector 8 at 308. * Poor (AQI 201-300): Stations including CRRI Mathura Road (299), Punjabi Bagh (285), Chandni Chowk (272), Pusa (271), and Anand Vihar (227) reported elevated pollution levels. * Moderate (AQI 101-200): Areas such as Burari (174), Badarpur (159), Chhawla (154), and Vasundhara Enclave (171) fared slightly better, registering moderate air quality.

Under the CPCB classification, prolonged exposure to 'poor' air quality can trigger breathing discomfort for sensitive groups, while 'very poor' levels pose widespread risks of respiratory illnesses.

Reporting by Gaurav Sen for Daily News 365.