Delhi’s weather surprised everyone again. Just two days after recording one of its hottest days, the capital saw light rain on Wednesday, February 18, that brought some relief. The skies stayed cloudy, and occasional gusts of wind made the air cooler for commuters. As temperatures dropped noticeably, giving residents a break from the heat, authorities revoked GRAP-2. Scroll down to know more about the weather and what’s expected in the coming days.
What Is The Cause Of Rain In Delhi?
The rain in Delhi was caused by a new western disturbance in the region. According to News18, this sudden change played a crucial role in making the day much cooler, with the maximum temperature dropping from 30.9°C on Tuesday to 21.1°C. Thanks to cloud cover, the capital experienced a slight temperature rise at night to 15.8°C, about 5 °C higher than usual.
Delhi was under Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as authorities kept a close watch on air quality. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) at 4 pm was 214, which falls in the “poor” category. This was the fifth day in a row with poor air quality, though it was lower than Tuesday’s 249.
Also Read: Winters Are Over For Delhi? At 30°C City Records The Hottest February In 5 Years
Authorities Withdrawn GRAP-2 Restrictions
Authorities lifted the GRAP Stage 2 restriction because forecasts show that the air quality is improving. As per News18, experts from the IMD and IITM predicted that the AQI will stay in the “poor” to “moderate” range, which is safer than “very poor.” So, the strict restrictions are no longer needed.
Now, interstate buses that don’t meet BS-6 standards, or aren’t electric or CNG, can run again. Authorities have also rolled back the increased parking charges and relaxed rules on diesel generator use. They usually enforce Stage 2 only when the AQI rises above 300 (‘very poor’), and these measures have been in effect since last year.
Experts say things should get better from late February to early March. As the temperatures rise, pollution will spread out more easily, making the air cleaner.
We hope Delhi’s weather keeps improving!
Also Read: Not Mumbai Or Delhi, Do You Know This Is India’s Global Aviation Hub?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Azhar Khan