New Delhi, August 15 (HS): Amidst the solemn celebrations of India’s 79th Independence Day, the capital was greeted by a refreshing spell of light rain, bringing not only relief from the prevailing humid conditions but also a significant enhancement in air quality. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) prognosticated light to moderate showers throughout the day, punctuated by sporadic thunderstorms and flashes of lightning. The mercury is expected to linger between a comfortable 31°C and 33°C during the day, with nighttime temperatures settling between 23°C and 25°C, offering a mild and pleasant climate for the nation’s festivities.

The weekly meteorological outlook forecasts predominantly overcast skies with intermittent showers or thundershowers, primarily occurring in the morning and evening hours, a pattern that is anticipated to prevail until August 20. Importantly, the IMD has refrained from issuing any severe weather alerts for the capital, signaling a stable and manageable weather trajectory for residents and visitors alike.

This recent rainfall activity has resulted in a marked improvement in Delhi’s air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to a ‘satisfactory’ level of 67 at 7 a.m., a notable decline from the previous day’s average AQI of 90. The enhancement in air purity extends beyond the capital, with the National Capital Region (NCR) cities reporting either ‘satisfactory’ or ‘moderate’ air quality levels, including Gurugram at 104, Noida at 88, Greater Noida at 136, and Ghaziabad at 102.

Contrastingly, while Delhi enjoys a lull in adverse weather, several adjoining states remain under the specter of heavy rainfall. The IMD has flagged an orange alert for intensely heavy showers in select districts of western Uttar Pradesh, including Saharanpur, Shamli, Muzaffarnagar, and Bijnor. Meanwhile, Uttarakhand is poised to contend with isolated pockets of extremely heavy downpours. Simultaneously, parts of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Haryana are forecast to experience a continuum of heavy to very heavy rainfall, raising cautionary flags for potential flooding and related weather disruptions.

As the monsoon intricacies unfold across northern India, Delhi’s Independence Day was thus marked by the dual blessings of rejuvenating rains and cleaner air—a timely gift for the city’s residents and a poignant reminder of nature’s influence on urban life.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar