Delhi-NCR may see partly cloudy skies and isolated drizzle over the next 24 hours, but the weather change is unlikely to bring significant relief from air pollution, with the Air Quality Index forecast to remain in the ‘poor’ category through October 25.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast light drizzle in some parts of the National Capital Region as weather conditions begin to change. A western disturbance is also expected to affect parts of northwest India from October 24, although the system is not expected to have a major impact on Delhi-NCR.
The forecast comes as Delhi’s air quality remains a concern for residents during the morning hours. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi recorded an AQI of 223 in the morning, placing it in the ‘poor’ category. Of the 54 monitoring stations in the city, 29 recorded ‘poor’ air quality, while one station reported air in the ‘very poor’ category.
The expected drizzle is not projected to produce a sustained improvement in air quality. The Air Quality Early Warning System has indicated that Delhi’s AQI is likely to remain in the ‘poor’ category until October 25. It has also indicated that air quality could continue in the same category over the following six days.
The weather is expected to remain largely dry on Saturday and Sunday, despite the possibility of clouds and isolated drizzle in some areas. The maximum temperature in Delhi is likely to stay between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius on both days. Pollution is expected to remain a particular issue during the morning and evening periods.
Temperatures are forecast to reach between 31 and 33 degrees Celsius on October 26 and October 29. On October 27 and 28, the maximum temperature is expected to remain between 30 and 32 degrees Celsius. These projections indicate a relatively modest fall in daytime temperatures rather than a sharp change in conditions.
The India Meteorological Department has also reported that a low-pressure area over the southern Bay of Bengal could intensify into a cyclonic storm by October 26. However, the available forecast does not indicate any significant effect of that system on Delhi-NCR’s weather.
For residents, the immediate forecast combines limited rain potential with continued poor air quality, particularly during morning and evening hours. The next significant indication will come from the air-quality outlook after October 25 and from subsequent CPCB monitoring readings.
