Rainfall across numerous states, including Delhi-NCR, has led to a sudden drop in temperatures, intensifying the wintry weather conditions. Despite the downpour, a lingering shroud of smog continues to linger in several areas, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) persisting around 350 in the national capital, Delhi.
In the national capital, Delhi, thunderstorms and hailstorms were reported on Monday evening, resulting in decreased temperatures. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded a maximum temperature of 24.2 degrees Celsius, dipping below the seasonal average by two degrees, while the minimum temperature stood at 13.4 degrees Celsius, three degrees lower than the seasonal average. Meteorologists anticipate a partly cloudy sky on Tuesday, with light to moderate fog in the morning. The projected maximum and minimum temperatures are around 25 and 12 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Persistent Pollution Woes
Despite the rain, Delhiites haven’t seen relief from pollution, with the average AQI hovering around 350. Early on November 28, AQI readings in various Delhi areas were: 375 in Anand Vihar, 414 in Vivek Vihar, 339 in Lodhi Road, 436 in ITO, 390 in RKpuram, 368 in Pusa, and 325 in Mathura Road. AQI levels in neighboring regions stood at 309 in Noida, 296 in Ghaziabad, 275 in Faridabad, and 265 in Gurugram.
Flight Diversions and Weather Impact
The adverse weather conditions led to 16 flights being diverted from Delhi airport on Monday evening. Ten flights were rerouted to Jaipur, three to Lucknow, two to Amritsar, and one to Ahmedabad. Additionally, five Air India flights were redirected, including a Sydney flight re-routed to Jaipur.
Fatalities and Damage Due to Unseasonal Rains
Unseasonal rains in Gujarat resulted in 27 deaths due to lightning strikes. Widespread damage to homes and standing crops has been reported. The affected districts include Dahod, Tapi, Dangs, Amreli, Surendranagar, Botad, Mehsana, Kheda, Panchmahal, Sabarkantha, Ahmedabad, Bharuch, and Devbhoomi Dwarka. The untimely rains, along with storms and hailstorms, have caused significant harm, necessitating further evaluation.
Unusual Rainfall in Madhya Pradesh
Parts of Madhya Pradesh also experienced unexpected rain accompanied by thunderstorms, contributing to a dip in temperatures. Some districts recorded over 100 mm of rainfall, with lightning strikes reported. Indore received 51 mm of rain, while Bhopal saw 3.6 mm. Notably, Jhabua and Barwani districts observed the highest rainfall at 110.3 mm and 109 mm, respectively. The rainfall has led to a reduction in temperatures across the state, resulting in a slight cooling effect during the day.
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