Rain likely in next two days in Noida, air quality to improve

A western disturbance is moisture-laden wind that originates from the Mediterranean which is responsible for snowing in the northern states.

Noida: A brief respite from the rising mercury is on the cards this week as Noida and its adjoining areas may see rains with hail over two days, including in parts of western Uttar Pradesh, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its forecast on Wednesday.

Besides, according to weather analysts, the effect of a western disturbance and an induced cyclonic circulation over Rajasthan and Haryana will help reduce maximum temperatures till March 12.

Besides, according to weather analysts, the effect of a western disturbance and an induced cyclonic circulation over Rajasthan and Haryana will help reduce maximum temperatures till March 12.

“On Thursday, the region, including Noida, may see light rain showers along with thunderous activities and gusty winds ranging between 30 and 40 kmph towards evening or night. On Friday, the region may see thunderstorms accompanied with hail in parts of NCR, western Uttar Pradesh including Noida,” said an official at the IMD.

“Hail and thunderstorms are likely towards Thursday evening and Friday due to a western disturbance and cyclonic circulation over Rajasthan. The region will also see strong winds which may bring down pollution levels as well. The temperature may marginally drop but this will be only for a few days as the rainfall is not expected to be continuous,” said Mahesh Palawat, vice-president, meteorology and climate change, Skymet.

A western disturbance is moisture-laden wind that originates from the Mediterranean which is responsible for snowing in the northern states.

Meanwhile, the air quality of the city improved to ‘moderate’ in Noida. Wednesday saw the cleanest air quality of this month so far due to thunderous activities a day earlier, which improved ventilation. The air quality of Greater Noida and Ghaziabad also improved from ‘very poor’ to ‘poor’ category.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality index (AQI) of Noida on Wednesday, on a scale of 0 to 500, was 152 against 293 a day earlier.

The AQI of Greater Noida was 239 against 339 a day earlier. Ghaziabad recorded an AQI of 221 against 334 on Tuesday.

An AQI level up to 100 is considered ‘good’, between 101 and 200 is ‘moderate’, between 201 and 300 is ‘poor’, between 301 and 400 is ‘very poor’ and above 400 is considered ‘severe’.

“Wind speed on Wednesday improved to around 15 kmph on Wednesday,” said Palawat.

According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the air quality may deteriorate slightly for one day but due to better wind speed later, pollution levels will come down soon.

“Rain/thundershowers observed in and around Delhi have washed out suspended particular matter and led to improved air quality. Surface winds are calm. AQI is likely to marginally deteriorate to the ‘moderate’ to ‘poor’ category for Thursday. An increase in wind speed and ventilation is expected on Friday and AQI is likely to improve to the ‘moderate’ category. Isolated thunderstorms and local dust lifting are likely at isolated places on Thursday and Friday,” said a SAFAR statement on Wednesday.