After a brief spell of unseasonal warmth, winter reclaimed Delhi-NCR with a vengeance on Friday, January 23, as a day of persistent rains ushered back the familiar chill. The national capital witnessed its first rainfall of the year, which also turned out to be its wettest January day in two years, marking a significant shift in weather patterns.
The mercury plunged below the 10-degree Celsius mark, a stark contrast to the rising temperatures recorded earlier in the week. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), this cooling trend is set to intensify over the next 48 hours. The forecast predicts further dip in temperatures alongside the possibility of more rain today. Maximum temperatures are likely to hover around a cool 20°C, while the minimum is expected to drop to a crisp 6°C.
The rainfall, spanning from morning to evening, was notable for its intensity and spread. Key weather stations across Delhi-NCR recorded significant measurements: The Ridge area received 17.4 mm, followed by Palam (14.0 mm), Lodi Road (13.4 mm), Safdarjung (13.2 mm), and Ayanagar (11.5 mm). This widespread light to moderate shower made it the highest single-day January rainfall since January 30, 2023, when the city received 20.4 mm.
The showers brought more than just a temperature drop. They acted as a natural cleanser for the city’s air. Pollution levels saw a marked decline, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) moving into a better category. The skies turned clearer, and visibility improved significantly across the region, offering residents a respite from the typical winter haze.
The western disturbance affecting North India has influenced weather in other major cities as well:
Lucknow: The city of Nawabs may see light morning rain, with a minimum temperature around 10°C.
Patna: Clear skies are expected in Bihar’s capital, with a comparatively warmer minimum of 13°C.
Jaipur: Rajasthan’s capital will experience a colder night, with the minimum temperature dropping to around 5°C under cloudy skies.
As per the IMD bulletin, the chill is here to stay for the weekend. Delhi residents are digging out their warm woollens once again, with the weather department advising people to brace for colder nights and cool, breezy days. The unexpected January rain has not only broken records but has firmly reinstated the winter narrative for the final week of the month.
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