Light rain in Delhi-NCR, no relief from air pollution, J&K still in grips of cold wave

The national capital region on Sunday witnessed light rains, with the weather office predicting a drop in the maximum temperature by up to five degrees Celsius, while the air quality remained in the 'very poor' category.

The minimum temperature was recorded at 8.6° Celsius, a notch above the season's average. The rainfall at 8.30am was recorded at 4.3 mm, while the humidity level was 100%.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature on Sunday is likely to hover around 16° Celsius against Saturday's maximum, which settled at 21.2° Celsius, two notches above the average.

"The sky will remain generally cloudy with light rain or drizzle," an IMD official said.

The overall air quality of the city was recorded in the 'very poor' category with Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 377, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

On Saturday, the minimum temperature was recorded at 5.4° Celsius, two notches below average.

The minimum temperatures in Jammu and Kashmir however did not drop significantly on Sunday morning and the people in Srinagar city and other towns were restrained and could not venture out due to slippery roads.

But the Met Office has forecast an improvement in the weather from Sunday till January 10.

Traffic was not seen in the city and towns as people waited for the thaw to set in.

Srinagar city recorded minus 1.2° Celsius, Pahalgam minus 7.9° and Gulmarg minus 9° as the minimum temperatures on Sunday.

Leh town had minus 10.3° and Kargil minus 18.6° as the night's lowest temperatures.

Jammu city had 7.4° Celsius, Katra 9.2°, Batote minus 0.8°, Bannihal minus 0.5° and Bhaderwah 1.3° as the minimum temperatures.