New Delhi: Following extensive fireworks during the festival of Diwali, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has surged significantly in many cities across the country. The air has become so toxic that breathing has turned into a major challenge for the public. A thick blanket of smog has engulfed Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR); spending even an hour outdoors is now equivalent to smoking several cigarettes.
There is no immediate sign of relief from this toxic air. Meanwhile, snowfall is occurring in various parts of North India, causing temperatures to plummet and subjecting residents to intense cold. In parts of South India, rain accompanied by thunderstorms is expected. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for heavy rainfall in several states. Read on for a detailed breakdown of the weather across different regions.
Rising Pollution and Smog in Delhi
In the national capital, pollution levels have spiked due to Diwali fireworks and the burning of crop stubble in Punjab and Haryana. A thick haze is expected to persist throughout the day, with cloudy skies also likely.
Light rain may occur in Delhi, Haryana, and surrounding areas between November 11 and 13. While rainfall and wind speed could help alleviate the post-Diwali pollution, there is no guarantee of cleaner air just yet.
Weather in Bihar and Jharkhand
The IMD expects the weather in Bihar to remain largely dry on November 10; there is little chance of rain in Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, or Bhagalpur. However, some areas may experience light to moderate rainfall on November 11. In Jharkhand, light to moderate rain is expected in several locations between November 10 and 11, with weather changes likely in and around Ranchi, Jamshedpur, and Dhanbad.
Weather Outlook for Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab
The IMD expects the weather to remain dry in Uttar Pradesh on November 10. Light mist may be observed during the morning hours in Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Agra, and Meerut. In Haryana and Punjab, the weather is also likely to remain predominantly dry until November 10. Subsequently, between November 11 and 14, some areas may experience rainfall.
Weather in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh
The Meteorological Department does not anticipate any significant changes in the weather across Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh over the next few days. The weather is expected to remain mainly dry in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. Similarly, no major weather activity is expected in Chhattisgarh for the time being.
