Tue Dec 24 15:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Delhi-NCR Shivers as Western Disturbance Brings Rain, Temperature Plunge
**New Delhi, [Date]:** A western disturbance brought light rain and a significant temperature drop to Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Tuesday evening. The downpour, which included heavy spells in Noida and Gurugram, caused widespread traffic disruptions across the NCR. Following the rain, the temperature plummeted to 9.9 degrees Celsius. Earlier in the day, the minimum temperature had already reached a chilly 7.0 degrees Celsius.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast further temperature drops over the next two days in Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Light rain or snowfall is expected in parts of the Western Himalayas due to the western disturbance, leading to a further increase in cold conditions across the plains. Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to prepare for the continuing cold snap.
Meanwhile, Delhi saw an improvement in air quality on Tuesday. The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 369 at 4 pm, easing restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 4. These restrictions, previously in place, included a ban on all construction activities and the entry of non-essential polluting trucks into Delhi. The IMD and IITM predict further improvement in air quality due to favorable weather conditions.
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