Air quality improves in Delhi after downpour

Rain triggered Western Disturbance has lashed several parts of North India including the national capital, bringing the mercury down by several notches. Downpour, since yesterday evening in Delhi, also brought down pollution level in the national capital. 

In Himachal Pradesh, widespread rain lashed several parts including capital Shimla. The higher reaches of tribal districts of Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur and Pangi Bharmour in Chamba and Dhauladhar ranges in Kangra district are experiencing snowfall. 

The current cold wave has further tightened its grip due to fall in the temperature after current weather. Met department has issued warning of heavy snowfall at some places in higher reaches of the tribal districts.

In Jammu and Kashmir, the winter capital Jammu recorded its lowest temperature this season yesterday as mercury nose-dived nine notches below the normal amid incessant rains. The drop in the



day temperature was due to prevailing weather conditions, which resulted in rainfall in the plains and snowfall in high-altitude areas. The city received 26.2 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, the highest in over three months.

The Jammu-Srinagar national highway was closed for vehicular traffic last evening as a precautionary measure due to continuous snowfall and rains. The 300-km highway was closed for vehicular traffic from 5 pm yesterday in view of continuous heavy rainfall at Banihal, Ramban, Patnitop and snowing at both sides of Jawahar Tunnel for the safety of passengers.

In Uttarakhand, temperature has fallen considerably following snowfall in higher reaches of Garhwal and Kumaon regions with intermittent rains in lower hills and valleys. In Rajasthan, light showers were recorded in various parts of state. Met department has predicted more rainfall in the next 24 hours in the state.