In pics: Chilling pictures of climate change in India’s national capital

BI India BureauFeb 8, 2019, 10:15 IST

IANS

After almost a decade, India’s capital, which witnesses rarely any rain in the month of February, was hit by a heavy hailstorm accompanied by rains, lashing several parts of Delhi-NCR on Thursday. The maximum temperature in New Delhi and adjoining areas remained at 19 degrees celsius on Thursday, four notches below the season's average

"This is happening after at least a decade that heavy hailstorm occurred at several areas in Delhi and adjoining areas. Areas like Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Palam received the maximum amount of hail and rains on Thursday evening, while central Delhi was lashed by heavy rains," Mahesh Palawat, Director at private weather agency Skymet, told IANS.

Here are some recent pictures from Delhi-NCR -

In pics: Chilling pictures of climate change in India’s national capital

See In pics: Chilling pictures of climate change in India’s national capital >>

Hailstorm in Delhi-NCR

A thick layer of hailstorm hit Delhi-NCR left Noida and adjoining areas in the National Capital region white. The minimum temperature on Thursday was at 15 degrees — 6 notches higher than the normal temperature of the season.

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North India to witness a fall in minimum temperature

"Minimum temperatures are likely to fall by 4-6 degrees Celsius over northwest India from February 8. A fresh western disturbance is likely to affect the whole of northwest India from February 10 onwards," an India Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletin said.

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Showers brought down the AQI to "moderate"

The rain accompanies by hailstorm was able to bring down the high pollution level in Delhi. The Air Quality Index at 4 pm on Thursday was recorded at 176 or "moderate." However, weather analysts say that moderate air quality will not last long.

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Another incidence influenced by Polar Vortex?

"Under the influence of western disturbances, scattered rain and high wind speed have significantly improved the air quality. The southwesterly winds from the Arabian sea will bring more moisture and foggy conditions may occur for the next few days," System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) said in its daily forecast. This year’s western disturbances have extended because of the ongoing polar vortex, which has pushed down Arctic winds.

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(With IANS inputs)

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In pics: Chilling pictures of climate change in India’s national capital

In pics: Chilling pictures of climate change in India’s national capital

Hailstorm in Delhi-NCR

​North India to witness a fall in minimum temperature

​Showers brought down the AQI to "moderate"

​Another incidence influenced by Polar Vortex?

North India to witness a fall in minimum temperature

Showers brought down the AQI to "moderate"

Another incidence influenced by Polar Vortex?