NEW DELHI: Rainfall returned to parts of Delhi-NCR on Tuesday, bringing a dip in temperatures but little relief on the pollution front. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for rain and thunderstorms across the region as an active western disturbance influences north India’s weather.

Light to moderate showers were reported in several areas, intensifying the winter chill. However, air quality deteriorated soon after a brief improvement, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 281 by 7:30 am, placing it back in the ‘poor’ category.

According to the IMD, the ongoing western disturbance is expected to trigger rain and thunderstorms in Delhi-NCR, along with strong winds. Wind speeds may touch 40–50 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 60 kmph. The system is also likely to bring snowfall and isolated heavy precipitation to parts of the western Himalayan region until Wednesday, with chances of hailstorms in some areas.

The national capital experienced a sharp drop in minimum temperatures on Monday, adding to the cold conditions witnessed during Republic Day celebrations across north India. Safdarjung, Delhi’s primary weather station, recorded a minimum temperature of 4.2°C, over two degrees lower than the previous day. Ayanagar reported the lowest temperature in the city at 3.6°C.

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Despite the cold spell, Monday remained dry, with no rainfall recorded at any weather station. Clear skies prevailed throughout the day, while the maximum temperature settled at 23.2°C, slightly above the seasonal average and nearly five degrees higher than Sunday.

Pollution levels, however, remained a concern. The AQI stood at 241 on Monday, also categorised as ‘poor’, underlining persistent air quality challenges despite shifting weather conditions.