Orange Alert Across Delhi-NCR
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) placed all districts of Delhi under an orange alert for rain and thunderstorms through Friday afternoon. Light to moderate rain began in the early morning hours and continued till noon in many areas, accompanied by gusty winds and occasional lightning.
According to the IMD, wind speeds touched 40–60 kmph in parts of Delhi, Ghaziabad, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Manesar. Weather officials said multiple spells of light rain were likely through the day as the western disturbance remained active over north India.
Flights Disrupted at Delhi Airport
Inclement weather impacted flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport, particularly affecting flights to and from northern destinations. Delhi airport authorities issued advisories warning passengers of possible delays and diversions due to poor visibility and adverse weather conditions.
Flights connected to Srinagar were among the most affected, though delays were also reported on several other domestic routes.
Temperature Drops, AQI Improves
The rainfall led to a sharp dip in temperatures across the capital. By late morning, Delhi recorded an actual temperature of around 16 degrees Celsius, while the “feels-like” temperature dropped closer to 12 degrees Celsius due to cold winds and persistent drizzle.
Air quality showed visible improvement. The average Air Quality Index stood at 293 in the ‘poor’ category on Friday morning, improving from ‘very poor’ levels recorded a day earlier. The improvement prompted authorities to lift Stage 3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad Also Affected
Neighbouring cities in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana experienced similar weather conditions. Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram received steady rainfall through the morning hours and remained under orange alert until early afternoon.
Commuters across the NCR reported waterlogging in low-lying areas and slower traffic movement due to reduced visibility and wet roads.
Snowfall Turns Hill States White
While the plains saw rain, higher reaches of north India witnessed heavy snowfall. Shimla received its first snow of the season, while districts such as Chamba, Kullu-Manali, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kinnaur reported significant accumulation.
The snowfall ended a nearly four-month dry spell in Himachal Pradesh, bringing relief to apple orchards and boosting tourist activity, though essential services faced temporary disruptions.
Kashmir Sees First Major Snowfall
Kashmir also experienced its first major snowfall of the season, ending a prolonged dry period. Upper reaches, including the ski resort of Gulmarg, recorded over two feet of snow.
The heavy snowfall led to the suspension of air traffic, closure of key highways, and power outages across parts of the Valley. Schools in Rajouri and Poonch districts were closed as a precaution. Despite fresh snow, the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage continued without disruption.
Western Disturbance Behind Weather Shift
IMD officials attributed the widespread rain and snow to an active western disturbance moving across north India. Such systems play a crucial role in winter precipitation across the region.
