Tamil Nadu and Kerala face heavy rain on Monday, November 9, as the India Meteorological Department predicts thunderstorms and gusty winds. Meanwhile, Delhi air quality worsened to the severe category. Low wind speeds and morning fog trapped post-Diwali emissions, keeping pollution levels high across the national capital on Monday morning.
Southern states brace for heavy downpours and gusty thunderstorms, while the national capital grapples with a sharp plunge into severe pollution levels as low wind speeds trap lingering emissions. Discover how local authorities plan to tackle the worsening smog crisis.
Rainfall will likely continue across parts of southern India on Monday, November 9, with isolated heavy rain forecast over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, according to the India Meteorological Department.
The IMD has forecast isolated to scattered rainfall over Kerala and Mahe, Lakshadweep and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal through Monday. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, Rayalaseema and south interior Karnataka are also likely to receive showers, while coastal Karnataka may see isolated to scattered rain.
Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph, gusting up to 50 kmph, are likely over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, Kerala and Mahe, Lakshadweep, Rayalaseema and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal. Strong surface winds are also expected over coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are likely to see widespread rain during the week, with isolated heavy rainfall expected from Tuesday. The IMD has also forecast no significant weather activity over west and central India.
Delhi wakes up to severe pollution
Delhi is likely to remain dry on Monday, with partly cloudy skies and moderate fog at most places in the morning. Temperatures are expected to remain between 15°C and 17°C for the minimum and 28°C and 30°C for the maximum.
Pollution, however, is the bigger concern after Diwali. Delhi's average AQI stood at 376 on Sunday, in the 'Very Poor' category, and the Air Quality Early Warning System forecast the city's air to turn 'Severe' from Monday.
Early Monday readings showed several Delhi monitoring stations already in the 'Severe' category, including Sonia Vihar at 465, Burari Crossing at 457 and Rohini at 442.
The IMD's forecast of low wind speeds and morning fog, combined with post-Diwali emissions, is likely to keep pollution levels elevated across the capital.