People are seen in the background as a light drizzle falls. (Photo: PTI)

Rain likely in Delhi-NCR as western disturbance gets active, AQI to ease

The prospect of rain comes as Delhi-NCR continues to struggle with deteriorating air quality during the winter pollution season.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Delhi-NCR may see isolated light rain or drizzle on Sunday
  • IMD forecasts partly cloudy skies with mild temperatures
  • Morning mist or shallow fog expected, moderate fog at some places

Delhi-NCR could see a brief spell of rain as a new western disturbance is expected to influence weather over northwest India.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast the possibility of very light to light rain or drizzle at isolated places in the national capital, mainly between the morning and forenoon hours of Sunday, November 15.

The forecast suggests limited rainfall rather than a widespread wet spell, with partly cloudy skies expected to continue. There is, however, no weather warning for Delhi on the day.

A flock of birds flies across a hazy sky as construction cranes tower over under-construction high-rise residential buildings following light drizzle. (Photo: PTI)

FORECASTS BRING RELIEF

In its latest forecast issued on Saturday, November 14, the IMD has forecast a partly cloudy sky over Delhi on Saturday, followed by a possibility of light rain or drizzle at isolated places on Sunday.

Daytime temperatures are expected to remain relatively mild.

The maximum temperature is likely to be 27-29 degrees Celsius on Saturday, falling to 26-28 degrees Celsius on Sunday. Meanwhile, minimum temperatures could range between 16-18 degrees Celsius on Saturday and 15-17 degrees Celsius on Sunday.

A satellite image shows rain systems accumulation near Delhi-NCR on Sunday. (Photo: Windy)

The weather department has also forecast mist or shallow fog at most places during the morning hours, with moderate fog possible at isolated places.

The wider weather system could bring isolated to scattered rainfall to parts of northwest India.

However, the latest outlook does not indicate widespread rain across Delhi-NCR and neighbouring states.

WILL RAIN CLEAN OUT DELHI'S POLLUTION?

The possibility of rain comes as Delhi-NCR continues to struggle with deteriorating air quality during the winter pollution season.

Rain can temporarily improve air quality by bringing some suspended particles down to the ground.

Smog engulfs Kartavya Path as people take a stroll amid low visibility, near the India Gate in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)

However, the extent of relief depends on how much rain falls, how long it lasts and the accompanying wind conditions.

With only isolated light showers expected, any improvement in pollution levels could be limited and short-lived. Rain alone is unlikely to reverse the region's pollution problem.

For now, residents can expect a largely cloudy Sunday with a chance of brief drizzle, rather than the widespread rainfall needed for a substantial washout of pollutants.

- Ends