Delhi-NCR wakes up to rain as IMD issues 'yellow alert'; air quality remains 'very poor' at 324

New Delhi: Residents of Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) on Sunday woke up to light rainfall, as the city battles with cold wave.

What did the India Meteorological Department say?

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a "yellow alert" for Sunday, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, moderate showers, strong winds and dense fog. 

The air quality of the national capital remained at "very poor" category with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded to be 324 at 6 am, despite the morning showers that slightly reduced the smog and pollutants. 

On Saturday, the average quality for Delhi was recorded to be 315.

The IMD has predicted similar weather conditions, like thunderstorms, lightning, strong winds and light showers, in Haryana and Chandigarh. 

According to IMD, the city on Saturday recorded a minimum temperature of 6.7 degrees Celsius, which was lower than the 7.7 degrees Celsius temperature recorded on Friday.

"The minimum temperature is expected to be around 10-12 degrees Celsius on Sunday and 11-13 degrees Celsius on Monday. It is likely to fall again to around 7-9 degrees Celsius by Thursday," said an IMD official. 

Due to two consecutive Western Disturbances, light to moderate rain and snowfall are expected in the Western Himalayan region from February 1 to 3. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh will experience rain for three days, from February 1 to 3. Light to moderate rain is also expected in the plains of Northwest and Central India.

Orange alert for which region?

The IMD has also issued an orange alert for Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, where thunderstorms and hailstorms are predicted.

How will be the weather today?

According to IMD, over the next 24 hours the minimum temperatures are likely to rise by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius across northwest India.

In the national capital, very light to light rain may continue through the day. The IMD has warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds with speeds of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour. 

The maximum temperature is expected to be around 18 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may likely hover around 11 degrees Celsius.