Cold air from snow-laden mountains will plunge minimum temperatures, with daytime highs capped at 18°C and nights dipping to 12°C. This follows heavy precipitation in hilly regions, now spilling over to plains like Noida, Ghaziabad, and Greater Noida.

Air quality remains a major concern, stifling any relief. CPCB data paints a grim picture: Delhi’s industrial hubs like Wazirpur (AQI 332) and Vivek Vihar (344) are ‘very poor.’ Residential areas such as Anand Vihar (331), RK Puram (327), and Rohini (312) fare no better. Even markets like Chandni Chowk (287) and roads like Mathura Road (291) linger in unsatisfactory orange categories.

Across NCR, Ghaziabad’s Loni (328) and Vasundhara (318) signal danger, while Noida’s sectors 125 (323) and 116 (322) top red lists. Greater Noida’s Knowledge Parks V (338) and III (287) underscore regional woes, except Noida’s Sector-62 at 185.

Meteorologists note that impending rains may wash away some smog, but vulnerable groups—children, elderly, and those with respiratory issues—should avoid exposure. Construction and traffic could face disruptions; check live updates for safety.

January 30 sets the stage with moderate fog, daytime highs near 19°C, and nights cooling to 10°C. Come January 31, fog lingers into the morning, but afternoons and evenings bring thunderstorms, lightning strikes, and fierce gusts. Max temp: 20°C; min: 7°C.

The action continues on February 1, featuring morning haze, followed by evening rain and winds. Highs may hit 18°C, lows around 12°C. This cleansing precipitation is timely, as NCR’s skies clear from toxic haze.

Air quality indices tell a tale of progress and persistence. Improvements in Aya Nagar (188), CRRI Mathura Road (188), and Pusa (169) signal yellow-zone relief. Yet, red-zone dangers lurk in Dr. Karni Singh Range (304), RK Puram (316), Siri Fort (314), and Wazirpur (303).

Noida’s Sector-62 breathes easier at 183, contrasting Sectors 125, 1, and 116’s 264-267 marks. Ghaziabad varies widely: Indirapuram at 288, Sanjay Nagar 217, Vasundhara 314, and Loni critically at 316.

IMD’s advice is clear: steer clear of vulnerable spots during storms, and navigate fog prudently. As rain washes away pollutants, residents can look forward to fresher air, but preparedness remains key in this volatile season.

Expect a tangible drop in daytime highs, with maximum temperatures hovering near 19°C and minimums at 12°C on January 23. Scattered spells of moderate rain, gusty winds up to 40 km/h, thunder, and lightning are on the cards. The trend continues into Saturday (January 24) with even colder readings: 17°C max and 7°C min.

Sunday (January 25) may bring light to moderate fog in the morning, alongside 17-6°C temperatures. On January 26, conditions stabilize at 19-7°C without major warnings. This windy, rainy interlude has delivered a much-needed boost to air quality indices. CPCB and UPPCB monitors indicate improvements in multiple hotspots.

Ghaziabad’s Indirapuram AQI eased to 267, Sanjay Nagar to 290, though Loni clings to severe 390. In Noida, Sector-62 improved to 249, while Sector-125 (319), Sector-1 (290), and Sector-116 (296) show mixed results. Delhi’s Anand Vihar (317), Ashok Vihar (335), Bawana (342), Chandni Chowk (326), Ali Pur (322), and DTU area (312) remain worrisome, but transitions to orange zones provide optimism.

Experts attribute the heightened chill to rapid cooling from precipitation and winds, urging precautions like warm clothing and reduced outdoor activities amid this refreshing yet frosty change.