Showers Bring A Cool Start To The Day For Delhi-NCR Residents

New Delhi: Residents of Delhi-NCR woke up to slightly chilly weather this morning, as showers swept across various parts of the capital. The rain, which continued from yesterday, has led to a sudden change in the weather. Strong surface winds, ranging from 25 to 35 kmph, are also likely to accompany the conditions on Thursday. According to the India Meteorological Department, a generally cloudy sky for Delhi-NCR is predicted, with light rain or thunderstorms.

Weekly Weather ForecastThe weather forecast for Delhi-NCR over the next seven days predicts temperatures to remain around 34 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius during the day and 23 degrees Celsius to 26 degrees Celsius at night. From September 20 to September 24, partly cloudy skies are expected, with winds varying in direction and speed. On September 20, winds will be calm in the morning, shifting to a northwesterly direction at 6 km/h by the afternoon and a northerly direction at 10 km/h in the evening. On September 21, winds will blow from the southwest at 8 km/h in the morning, changing to a northerly flow at 4 km/h by the afternoon and easterly at 8 km/h by evening. On September 22, winds will vary between 6 km/h to 8 km/h, shifting directions throughout the day from south in the morning to west in the afternoon and southeast in the evening. On September 23, winds will remain light, ranging from 4 km/h to 8 km/h, moving between the southwest, north, and northwest. On September 24, partly cloudy skies are forecast, with winds coming from the east in the morning at 8 km/h, shifting to the southeast in the afternoon, and picking up to 16 km/h by the evening. Temperatures are expected to remain stable with minimal variations throughout this period. GRAP Period Starts Early in Delhi-NCRThe Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) -- a set of emergency measures to control air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region during winter -- has come into effect earlier than the usual date of October 1, according to officials. The Commission for Air Quality Management, an autonomous body responsible for preparing the strategy to improve air quality in Delhi and nearby areas, said on Wednesday that polluting buses from NCR states will not be allowed to enter Delhi if the city's air quality index (AQI) reaches Stage III -- 'Severe' (AQI between 401 and 450). Exceptions will be made for CNG, BS VI, and electric buses.The restrictions will not apply to buses or tempo travellers with an all-India tourist permit.GRAP is categorised into four stages based on Delhi's air quality: Stage I -- 'Poor' (AQI 201-300); Stage II -- 'Very Poor' (AQI 301-400); Stage III -- 'Severe' (AQI 401-450); and Stage IV -- 'Severe Plus' (AQI >450).(With agency inputs)