Is Delhi Experiencing Light Rain While AQI Remains Poor?
Synopsis
On February 18, New Delhi's residents experienced light rain following a record-high temperature of 30.9°C. The city's air quality remains concerning, with the AQI at 228, indicating 'poor' conditions. The IMD forecasts more rain and thunderstorms throughout the day, but high temperatures persist, raising public health concerns.
Key Takeaways
Delhi sees light rain today after record temperatures.
The AQI remains a concern, categorizing air quality as 'poor'.
IMD predicts more rain and thunderstorms.
Residents should take health precautions amidst poor air quality.
Temperatures are expected to remain elevated.
New Delhi, Feb 18 (NationPress) This Wednesday, residents of the national capital were greeted by light rain, just a day after witnessing the hottest day of the year, with temperatures peaking at 30.9 degrees Celsius. The ongoing air quality issues persisted, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 228 at 8 a.m., categorizing it as ‘poor’.
On Tuesday, the AQI was even higher, reaching 259, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
According to CPCB data on Wednesday, various locations in the city reported alarming AQI levels. Anand Vihar registered an AQI of 285, Ashok Vihar 264, Burari Crossing 275, Chandni Chowk 286, and DTU 249. Meanwhile, Dwarka Sector 8 had 187, IGI Airport (T3) was under observation, ITO noted 180, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium recorded 187, Mundka reached 309, Narela 283, and Okhla Phase-2 242. Other areas such as Pusa (152), R.K. Puram (221), Rohini (306), Shadipur (296), Sonia Vihar (294), Vivek Vihar (284), and Wazirpur (336) also indicated elevated pollution levels.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted very light to light rain for today, with gusty winds expected to blow at speeds between 30 and 40 kilometres per hour in the afternoon. The temperatures are projected to range from 27 degrees Celsius to 14 degrees Celsius.
This February, Delhi has been experiencing unusual warmth. The highest temperature recorded on February 16 was 30.9 degrees Celsius, which is approximately 6.5 degrees Celsius above the average for this time of year, marking it as one of the warmest mid-February days recently.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Delhi, predicting cloudy skies throughout the day. There is a chance of very light rain with thunderstorms and lightning at isolated locations in the morning. Another round of very light to light rain with similar conditions is likely later in the forenoon, along with gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph. A further spell of light rain is also anticipated during the afternoon.
Moreover, the IMD indicated that scattered showers could extend to parts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan in the coming hours, suggesting the weather system affecting Delhi could influence surrounding regions.
In Noida, the IMD anticipates generally cloudy skies with light rain on Wednesday, with maximum and minimum temperatures expected at 26 and 11 degrees Celsius respectively. Clear skies are predicted for the upcoming days.
Gurugram is also set to experience partly cloudy conditions, with a potential for rain and thundershowers. The temperatures there are expected to range between 28 degrees Celsius and 14 degrees Celsius. Clear skies are forecasted for the next few days as well.
The IMD also mentioned that light rain is likely over parts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan within the next two hours. Areas expected to receive rain include Sonipat, Kharkhoda, Charkhi Dadri, Mattanhail, Jhajjar, Farukhnagar, Kosali, Mahendargarh, Sohna, Rewari, Palwal, Narnaul, Bawal, Nuh, Aurangabad, and Hodal in Haryana; Bagpat, Khekra, Modinagar, and Pilakhua in Uttar Pradesh; and Bhiwari, Tizara, Khairthal, Alwar, Viratnagar, Nagar, Laxmangarh, and Rajgarh in Rajasthan.
It also stated that very light rainfall or drizzle could occur in Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Narwana, Karnal, Fatehabad, Assandh, Safidon, Barwala, Jind, Panipat, Adampur, Gohana, Gannaur, Hansi, Tosham, and Rohtak in Haryana; Shamli, Kandhla, Khatauli, Sakoti Tanda, Hastinapur, Baraut, Daurala, Meerut, Kithor, Garhmukteshwar, Hapur, Gulaoti, Siyana, Sikandrabad, Bulandshahar, Khurja, Jattari, Nandgaon, and Barsana in Uttar Pradesh; and Kotputli and Deeg in Rajasthan.
Point of View
It's crucial to highlight the ongoing air quality issues that plague Delhi, particularly during these unseasonably warm February days. The combination of high temperatures and poor AQI levels poses serious health risks for residents, necessitating immediate attention from authorities.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current AQI level in Delhi?
As of 8 a.m. on February 18, the AQI level in Delhi is recorded at 228, which falls under the 'poor' category.
What were the weather conditions in Delhi yesterday?
Yesterday, Delhi experienced the hottest day of the year, with temperatures reaching 30.9 degrees Celsius.
Will there be more rain in Delhi today?
Yes, light rain is expected throughout the day, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds.
What areas are likely to receive rain in the coming hours?
Scattered showers are forecasted for parts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
What health precautions should residents take due to poor air quality?
Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities, use air purifiers indoors, and wear masks when going outside.
