Delhi sees light rain and gusty winds on Tuesday, bringing temporary relief from pollution; AQI may improve to moderate on Jan 27–28.

Delhi: Delhi is set to experience multiple spells of light rain and gusty winds reaching 40 km per hour on Tuesday, bringing temporary relief from pollution and a slight rise in temperatures. The minimum temperature is expected around 8°C, up from 4.2°C recorded a day earlier, due to the influence of an approaching western disturbance.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city was recorded at 294 (poor) at 8 am on Tuesday, slightly worsening from Monday’s 241 (poor) reading at 4 pm. The Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) has predicted improvement in air quality, with Delhi expected to return to the “moderate” category on January 27–28. However, pollution levels may rise again to poor on January 29 and remain in the poor range from January 30 to February 4, according to the daily bulletin.

Maximum temperatures are expected to hover between 18–20°C on Tuesday, following a 23.2°C high on Monday, slightly above normal, and 18.2°C on Sunday, slightly below normal.

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Skymet Weather vice president Mahesh Palawat explained that the western disturbance alters wind patterns, shifting to warmer easterly winds. “Overcast skies lead to a rise in minimum temperatures and a dip in maximum temperatures,” he said. Palawat also noted that fresh snowfall in the Himalayas due to the disturbance will influence temperatures across the plains, preventing further dips that would have occurred under persistent northwesterly winds.

Meteorologists say that gusty winds and light rainfall are likely to clear pollutants from the atmosphere, giving residents a short-term improvement in air quality. However, experts warn that AQI levels may fluctuate in the coming days as western disturbances pass through the region and local weather conditions evolve.

Residents are advised to monitor AQI forecasts and take necessary precautions, particularly those with respiratory conditions, while enjoying the brief respite from Delhi’s usual winter pollution.