Archive · 23 Jan 2026
Delhi-NCR Faces Thunderstorms, Rain as AQI Improves
The weather in Delhi-NCR has changed a lot.
It's raining and there are thunderstorms with strong winds.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for these conditions.
The air quality has improved a bit, but it's still not good.
The temperature is cooler now, with highs around 18-20°C and lows around 11-13°C.
The rain and winds are expected to continue for a few days, and there might even be hail in some places.
The IMD says to be careful because of the strong winds and possible fog in the mornings and nights.
The rain has helped the air quality a little, but it's still in the 'very poor' category.
The authorities have lifted some strict air quality rules because of the improvement, but some rules are still in place.
IMD issued an orange alert for light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds (40-60 kmph) in Delhi-NCR and nearby areas.
Affected areas in Delhi include Narela, Alipur, Burari, Rohini, Bawana, Kanjhwala, Model Town, Paschim Vihar, Aadpur, Mundaka, Punjabi Bagh, Rajouri Garden, Najafgarh, Dwarka, Jafarpur, and Badili.
AQI in Delhi improved to 313 (very poor) on 23 January, with forecasts indicating moderate to poor AQI in the coming days.
Temperatures in Delhi are expected to range from 11-13°C (minimum) to 18-20°C (maximum).
CAQM revoked GRAP-3 restrictions due to improved air quality, but GRAP-1 and GRAP-2 restrictions remain in place.
- Who
- India Meteorological Department (IMD), Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
- What
- Issued orange alert for thunderstorms, rain in Delhi-NCR; AQI improved but remains 'very poor'
- When
- 23 January 2026 (forecast issued at 4:50 IST on 23 January 2026)
- Where
- Delhi-NCR, parts of Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Punjab
- Why
- Active western disturbance affecting northwest India, bringing rain and cooler temperatures
- Date
- 23 January 2026
- AQI
- 313 (Very Poor)
- Forecasted Weather
- Light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, gusty winds (40-60 kmph)
- Affected Areas in Delhi
- Narela, Alipur, Burari, Rohini, Bawana, Kanjhwala, Model Town, Paschim Vihar, Aadpur, Mundaka, Punjabi Bagh, Rajouri Garden, Najafgarh, Dwarka, Jafarpur, Badili
- Affected Areas in NCR
- Bahadurgarh, Jhajjar, Rohtak, Narnaul, Farukhnagar, Mahendragarh, Narnaul, Kotpuli
- Minimum Temperature
- 11-13°C
- Maximum Temperature
- 18-20°C
- Forecasted AQI for 23-24 January
- Moderate
- Forecasted AQI for 25 January
- Poor
Sources
What's allowed, what's not as CAQM revokes restrictions under GRAP-3 as air quality in Delhi-NCR improves
GRAP 3 Measures Revoked In Delhi NCR After AQI Improves To 'Very Poor'
GRAP III curbs revoked in Delhi-NCR as air quality expected to remain in ‘poor’ category
Pollution Curbs Under GRAP-3 Lifted In Delhi After Air Quality Improves
Delhi AQI stays ‘very poor’ as rain, thunderstorms forecast for Friday
CAQM revokes Stage III GRAP restrictions across Delhi-NCR as AQI improves
Delhi Braces for Rain on Vasant Panchami: Will Air Quality Improve? Check AQI and IMD Forecast
Rainy Spell Brings Unexpected Chill to Delhi NCR, Thunderstorms Forecast as Temperatures Drops
Delhi weather today: Rohini, Dwarka & other areas brace for thunderstorm, gusty winds; AQI stays ‘very poor’
IMD issues orange alert for parts of Delhi-NCR; rain, lightning likely across Haryana, Rajasthan
Delhi Braces For Thunderstorm, Gusty Winds As IMD Issues Yellow Alert, AQI Improves
IMD issues orange alert for rain in Delhi NCR as capital wakes up to thunderstorms, light showers
Delhi, Nearby Areas Witness Rain, Thunderstorms, More Showers Likely
Delhi AQI: First rains of 2026 bring relief from toxic air, AQI improves to ‘satisfactory’ levels at IGI, Pusa Road
Rainfall hits Delhi-NCR, AQI touches 297; cooler weather ahead
Rain, strong winds lash Delhi, air quality improves to 278
Delhi rain on Vasant Panchami: Rare weather event or normal winter pattern?