Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region woke up to light rain and thunderstorms on Friday morning, as winter-like conditions persisted across the region. Several areas in Delhi and Noida witnessed brief spells of rainfall, leading to a marginal improvement in air quality and a noticeable drop in dust levels.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) stood at 297 at 7.05 am, indicating a slight improvement compared to the previous day. While the air quality remained in the ‘poor’ category, officials noted that intermittent rain helped suppress particulate matter temporarily.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Delhi, warning of light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds. The nowcast alert remained valid until 10 am, with wind speeds expected to range between 40 and 60 kmph, raising concerns over traffic disruptions and falling debris.

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In its detailed daily forecast, the IMD said weather conditions would remain unstable throughout the day. The city is expected to experience a generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of light rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph, particularly during the early morning and forenoon hours.

Another spell of very light to light rain is likely in the afternoon and evening, while shallow fog may develop during the morning hours. The IMD advised commuters to exercise caution due to reduced visibility, strong winds, and sudden changes in weather conditions.

Additionally, a yellow alert has been issued for the entire day, indicating the possibility of thunderstorms and gusty winds across multiple time slots. While a yellow alert calls for awareness and preparedness, the orange alert signals potentially disruptive weather, prompting authorities to stay ready for emergency measures and residents to avoid unnecessary travel.

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