Air quality across the national capital deteriorated sharply on Monday, November 2, plunging deep into hazardous territory. Delhi recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 428, wrapping urban neighborhoods in a dense layer of toxic smog. Morning visibility dropped significantly, leaving landmark structures like Rashtrapati Bhavan barely discernible through the thick veil of atmospheric particulate matter.
Key Pollution Readings Across Delhi
Data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) underlined severe air degradation across multiple central and eastern districts. In the vicinity of India Gate and Janpath, the air quality index settled at 335. Near the Akshardham temple complex, the reading climbed to 349. Simultaneously, the monitoring station at ITO also documented an AQI of 349. All these figures fall firmly within the CPCB category of very poor air quality, creating serious health concerns for morning commuters and outdoor workers.
Haze and Smog Settle Over Coastal Mumbai
Atmospheric stagnation was not confined solely to northern plains. Parts of Mumbai also witnessed visible layers of haze during the early hours. Across the Bandra Reclamation corridor, a pall of smog hung over the coastline, obscuring the view of prominent high-rise towers. Despite the diminished visibility, official readings from the CPCB placed Mumbai at an overall AQI of 131, which falls into the moderate bracket. While significantly cleaner than Delhi, the haze marked an unwelcome environmental shift for the coastal metro.
Depression in the Bay of Bengal Triggers 18-State Weather Alert
While northern cities struggle with stagnant particulate pollution, dynamic storm systems are developing over the ocean. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued widespread warnings on November 2 for heavy precipitation, squally gusts, and thunderstorms spanning 18 states. Meteorologists attribute this extensive shift to a low-pressure area that formed over the southeastern sector of the Bay of Bengal. In localized areas impacted by this weather system, wind gusts could reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour.
The weather office advised administrative agencies and residents in mountainous states to stay alert against the danger of sudden landslides. In the plains, authorities urged people to exercise caution during periods of gusty surface winds and intense downpours. Coastal communities and fishermen received strict directives to avoid venturing into the open sea until conditions stabilize.
Weather Forecast for Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar
For Delhi, forecasts on November 2 indicated prospects of scattered rain accompanied by thunder and lightning. Wind speeds of around 30 kilometers per hour may sweep across the capital, possibly aiding the dispersion of suspended smog particles. Delhi's maximum temperature is projected to touch 29 degrees Celsius, with the minimum settling near 18 degrees Celsius.
In Uttar Pradesh, the alert covers a wide swath of districts including Etawah, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Meerut, Hardoi, Unnao, Deoria, Azamgarh, Raebareli, Ayodhya, and Agra, where heavy showers are anticipated. The state capital, Lucknow, is expected to register a daytime peak of 29 degrees Celsius and a nighttime low of 20 degrees Celsius.
Bihar faces widespread downpours across several northern and southern jurisdictions. Heavy rain alerts apply to Begusarai, Kishanganj, Purnia, Vaishali, Bhojpur, Darbhanga, Madhubani, and Saharsa. In Patna, the maximum temperature is likely to reach 30 degrees Celsius, with minimum readings hovering around 22 degrees Celsius.
Turbulent Conditions in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh
Western India is preparing for intense squalls and showers. In Rajasthan, rainfall alerts have been issued for Bundi, Sikar, Jaisalmer, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Jhunjhunu, Tonk, Dholpur, and Churu. Winds in these sectors could surge up to 80 kilometers per hour during storm peaks. Jaipur's temperature is anticipated to hover between a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius.
Across Madhya Pradesh, convective activity is set to impact districts such as Ujjain, Dewas, Indore, Damoh, Betul, Chhindwara, Raisen, Khandwa, Khargone, Singrauli, Chhatarpur, and Katni with squalls and downpours. Bhopal is expected to see a high of 29 degrees Celsius and a low of 19 degrees Celsius.
Showers Projected Across Eastern and Southern Regions
In West Bengal, the proximity to the maritime depression will bring heavy showers and brisk winds to Darjeeling, Durgapur, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia, Howrah, and Purulia. The metropolis of Kolkata is likely to record a high of 32 degrees Celsius and a low of 25 degrees Celsius.
Furthermore, unstable weather patterns are predicted across several other regions. Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Assam, and Telangana have all been alerted to prepare for localized rain and stormy winds, signaling a turbulent phase across diverse geographical corridors of the country.
