A significant change in weather patterns is expected across various parts of India in the coming days, with a marked drop in temperatures and persistent foggy conditions over the northwest region. According to the latest forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature across most places in northwest India is likely to fall by 2-3°C during the next five days. 

This temperature dip will particularly affect regions including Punjab, Haryana, North Rajasthan, North Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. Dense to very dense fog conditions are expected to persist, especially during the late night and early morning hours, for the next two days. Isolated pockets in Himachal Pradesh are also expected to experience dense fog during the next five days. 

IMD rainfall alert

In addition to the cooler temperatures, the IMD has also predicted light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by isolated thunderstorms and lightning, over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, and Mahe on November 18. Isolated heavy rainfall is expected in these regions, with many areas in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands also likely to experience light to moderate rainfall throughout the week.

Drop in temperature continues

Furthermore, minimum temperatures in Central India are likely to remain stable for the next three days before gradually falling by 2-3°C. Similar trends are expected in Maharashtra, where a 2-4°C drop in minimum temperatures is forecast over the next five days, while Gujarat will see no significant change in minimum temperatures for the next two days, followed by a gradual decrease thereafter.

Delhi’s air quality deteriorates to ‘severe plus’ category

Delhi’s air quality reached alarming levels on Monday, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 484, placing the city in the “severe plus” category. This marked the worst air quality recorded this season, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The city was blanketed by a dense, toxic smog, which significantly reduced visibility. Officials reported that visibility at Safdarjung Airport had dropped to a mere 150 meters. The situation worsened on Sunday evening when the AQI surged from 441 at 4 p.m. to 457 by 7 p.m., driven by unfavorable weather conditions.

The minimum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 16.2°C, which is 3.9°C above normal. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 27°C. IMD has predicted very dense fog throughout the day, further aggravating the hazardous air quality and reduced visibility.

Thick smog engulfs parts of Mumbai

Mumbai woke up to a thick layer of smog on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 147, falling under the “moderate” category. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the AQI at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) was recorded at 153, while Abhinav Nagar in Borivali East reported an AQI of 176. The AQI at Shastri Garden in Worli, monitored by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), stood at 225, placing it in the “poor” category. Other areas like Chembur, near the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), reported an AQI of 158, while Sewri recorded a reading of 195.