Weather Turns Harsh: Heavy Rain Hits Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana; Hailstorm and Temperature Plunge in Many Areas

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Light to heavy rain was observed across several parts of Delhi and the NCR region on Friday morning, with areas like Noida also witnessing hailstorms. Drizzle was reported in other parts of the NCR, leading to a significant drop in temperatures and an increase in cold conditions.

According to the Meteorological Department, the minimum temperature in Delhi on Friday was recorded at 12°C, while the maximum temperature reached 20°C. Between 2:30 AM and 5:30 AM, Delhi recorded 1.8 mm of rain, followed by an additional 7.3 mm by 8:30 AM. Specific areas also reported varying rainfall totals, with 11.3 mm recorded at the Palam weather station, 6.8 mm at Lodhi Road, and 5.5 mm at Pusa.

**Rain and Thunderstorms Predicted**

Heavy rain was also reported in Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. The Meteorological Department predicts more rain and thunderstorms in Delhi and surrounding areas on Friday and Saturday, with the possibility of light fog, lightning, and strong winds during the evening and night hours.

Local residents expressed mixed feelings about the weather. Deepak Pandey remarked, *"The weather feels like Kashmir now. It’s pleasant and perfect for travel. The cold is bearable, and the rain has significantly reduced pollution."* Another resident, Raman Kushwaha, added, *"It’s very cold, but the rain has improved the air quality and made it a great time to visit places."*

The minimum temperature in Delhi is expected to remain around 12°C, with the maximum at 20°C. Light to moderate rain is likely to continue tomorrow, December 28, according to forecasts.

 **Air Quality and Rain Impact**

Despite the rain reducing pollution levels, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) remained in the 'very poor' category, recording an overall AQI of 371 at 7 AM. Notable AQI levels included 398 at Anand Vihar, 340 at IGI Airport (T3), 360 at Aya Nagar, 345 at Lodhi Road, 380 at ITO, 315 at Chandni Chowk, and 386 at Punjabi Bagh.

Rain was also reported in several other states, including Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab, with the Meteorological Department predicting continued rain across these regions in the next 24 hours.