NEW DELHI: Delhi is likely to receive rain till January 9 under the influence of two western disturbances. India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed a ‘yellow’ alert for light rain for Wednesday and January 8, while very light rain or drizzle has been predicted for the remaining days.
The capital’s air quality index (AQI), meanwhile, remained in the ‘very poor’ category and is likely to improve to ‘poor’ category on January 6.
The minimum temperature was recorded at 8.5 degrees Celsius, one degree above normal, on Tuesday. The maximum temperature stayed at 23.2 degrees Celsius, four notches above normal.
RK Jenamani, senior scientist, IMD said, “Two active western disturbances from January 4 to 6 and January 7 to 9 will impact the region. Delhi is likely to witness rain during the period. As easterly winds will set in and due to cloudy night, the minimum temperature is expected to rise. However, the maximum temperature may see a dip.”
According to IMD’s forecast, the minimum temperature is likely to hover around 10 to 12 degrees Celsius for the next five days. The maximum temperature may touch around 18 to 20 degrees Celsius.
Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 378 on Tuesday as against 387 on Monday. System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research said, “Consistently high winds are likely for the next three days (January 6 to 8) that is expected to improve AQI, but within ‘very poor’ category itself. Low mixing layer height (< 1.0 km) is expected to continue.”
However, Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the forecasting system under the union ministry of earth sciences, said, “The air quality over Delhi is likely to remain in the upper end of ‘very poor’ category on Wednesday. The air quality is likely to improve significantly and may reach ‘poor’ category on January 6. It is likely to remain largely in ‘poor’ category in the subsequent five days.”
