Early Friday morning brought an unexpected surprise to residents of Delhi NCR as unseasonal rain lightly drizzled across the region. The sudden showers soaked roads and rooftops while intensifying the cold wave already gripping the capital. What many expected to be a routine winter morning quickly turned into a harsh mix of drizzle, fog, and biting winds, reminding people that winter was far from loosening its hold.
The rain began well before sunrise, catching commuters and early risers off guard. Temperatures dropped sharply, with the mercury falling to around 4.6 degrees Celsius, making it one of the coldest mornings of the season. Roads became slippery, and a thick layer of fog settled over large parts of the city. Visibility was reduced in many areas, adding to traffic woes and making the early commute more difficult than usual. Authorities also warned of low visibility conditions continuing into the following day, urging caution on roads.
While the rain briefly freshened the surroundings, it failed to bring relief from another persistent problem: air pollution. Many had hoped that the showers would help clear the thick winter smog, but air quality levels told a different story. The Air Quality Index continued to remain in the “very poor” category, with readings hovering around 321 during the morning hours. Nearby regions such as Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad also reported similarly unhealthy air conditions.
This combination of damp weather and polluted air poses serious health risks, particularly for children, elderly individuals, and people with existing respiratory issues. Prolonged exposure to such air can trigger coughing, wheezing, breathlessness, and eye irritation. Even routine outdoor activities like walking or exercising can put extra strain on the lungs when pollution levels remain this high. Health experts generally advise people to limit outdoor exposure and take necessary precautions during such conditions.
Weather experts explain that although rain can temporarily wash away dust particles, certain wind patterns and prolonged cold temperatures can trap pollutants close to the ground. This prevents effective dispersion of harmful particles and allows pollution to linger in the air. With cold wave conditions expected to continue and foggy mornings becoming more frequent, residents are preparing for several more days of chilly weather paired with unhealthy air.
As winter tightens its grip, the challenge for Delhi NCR remains twofold: staying warm while also protecting health from dangerously poor air quality.
