Weather Shift in the Capital

Delhi and its surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) are bracing for a noticeable shift in weather patterns over the coming days. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), isolated to scattered rainfall is expected across the national capital region from October 28 through November 1. This unseasonal weather is being driven by a combination of an active western disturbance and the severe meteorological conditions associated with Cyclone Arnab.

Senior meteorologists note that the incoming precipitation will trigger a significant drop in daytime temperatures, which could potentially impact upcoming festivities, including Karwa Chauth celebrations across the region.

Meteorological Drivers: Western Disturbance and Cyclone Arnab

The IMD reports that a western disturbance, manifesting as a cyclonic circulation, currently sits over northwest Uttar Pradesh and its adjacent areas, directly influencing atmospheric conditions throughout northern India.

Simultaneously, Cyclone Arnab is tracking in a northwestward trajectory. Weather models indicate it will cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts—specifically between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam—as a very severe cyclonic storm. The system is projected to pack maximum sustained winds of 125 to 135 kmph, with violent gusts reaching up to 150 kmph.

Beyond the immediate impact on coastal regions, the cyclone's peripheral effects will trigger heavy to very heavy rainfall across Telangana and Vidarbha on October 28, extending into Chhattisgarh, eastern Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Odisha by October 29. Bihar is also expected to receive showers between October 29 and 30.

Air Quality Remains a Major Concern

Compounding the weather anomalies, Delhi's air quality continued to linger in the 'poor' zone. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) All India AQI portal recorded the city-wide Air Quality Index (AQI) at 250 during early morning monitoring.

Fine particulate matter, specifically PM2.5, was identified as the primary pollutant capable of penetrating deep into the respiratory system. Several monitoring stations across the capital reported alarming localized spikes:

* Vivek Vihar: 320 (Very Poor) * Jahangirpuri: 307 (Very Poor) * Patparganj: 291 (Poor) * Sirifort: 290 (Poor) * Dwarka Sector 8: 286 (Poor) * Alipur & Chandni Chowk: 285 (Poor) * R.K. Puram: 284 (Poor)

Additional neighborhoods, including Punjabi Bagh, Mundka, and the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, registered AQI levels fluctuating between 270 and 273, underscoring a widespread degradation of air quality throughout the metropolitan area. Authorities continue to monitor both the evolving meteorological storm systems and air pollution levels closely.