The Great Delhi Drizzle: Why Today Felt Like a Reset Button

Townhall Times, New Delhi

Reporter: Bhavika Kalra

If you woke up to the sound of raindrops and a sky that actually looked grey instead of hazy, you’ve got a “Western Disturbance” over Pakistan and Punjab to thank. It’s essentially a giant moisture-laden cloud system that decided to crash the unseasonal heatwave we were having.

1. The Temperature “U-Turn”

Yesterday, it felt like May. Today, it feels like February again.

The Drop: We went from a scorching 30.9°C yesterday to a predicted high of just 27°C today. That’s a 4-degree swing in 24 hours.
The “Yellow Alert”: The IMD isn’t taking chances. They’ve put out a yellow alert because they’re expecting more spells of rain and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) throughout the afternoon.

2. The AQI “Wash”

Before the rain, the air quality was stuck in the “Poor” category (AQI around 249).

The Relief: Rainfall is the city’s natural vacuum cleaner. It settles the PM10 dust particles that have been making everyone sneeze.
The Catch: While it’s better, it’s not perfect. Localized areas like Wazirpur and Mundka are still struggling with high numbers, but for most of us, the air actually feels “breathable” today.

3. Morning Commute: The Good and the Bad

The Good: The “Heat Island” effect is gone. No more sticky, humid commutes in the Metro or buses.
The Bad: The typical Delhi traffic logic—two drops of rain equal a 20-minute delay. Roads around India Gate, Akshardham, and Noida Sector 18 saw the usual slowdowns as people navigated wet asphalt.

4. Is Winter Coming Back?

Not exactly. This is what meteorologists call a “brief decrease.”

The Forecast: The cool-down will last through Thursday (tomorrow) but expect the sun to be back in full force by Friday, February 20.
The Advice: Don’t pack away your light jackets just yet. Night temperatures are going to dip by another 2–3°C over the next two days as the clouds clear out.

The “Local” Report (Feb 18, 2026)

Gurugram: Seeing the most thunder and lightning activity today.
Noida: Generally cloudy with light drizzle expected to continue until the evening.
Delhi Heights: If you’re near the Ridge or North Campus, the winds are noticeably sharper.