New Year’s Day Brings Relief: Light Rain in Delhi and Mumbai, Pollution Levels Likely to Drop

New Delhi / Mumbai: The first day of 2026 brought a welcome change in the weather for residents of Delhi and Mumbai, as light rainfall was recorded in both cities, offering a temporary respite from pollution.

Delhi Sees First Rain of the Season
In Delhi, light showers were reported in several areas, including Dwarka and Uttam Nagar in West Delhi. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the rainfall, accompanied by occasional thunder and lightning, is likely to provide relief from the biting cold and pollution levels. Minimum temperatures in the capital dropped to 6.4°C, slightly below normal by 0.4°C. Morning fog and cold persisted throughout the day, with temperatures expected to remain low into the night.

Rainfall Alerts Across North India
The IMD has issued rainfall alerts for various regions over the next few hours. In Delhi-NCR, light showers are expected in multiple locations including Kathal, Karnal, Rajound, Asandh, Safidon, Panipat, Sonipat, Kharkhoda, Sohna, Nuh (Haryana), Baraut, Baghpat, Khekra, Modinagar, and Pilkhuwa.

Other states are also likely to witness rainfall:

• Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad: Several areas may experience rain and snowfall on 1 January.
• Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand: Light to moderate rain and snow expected until 2 January.
• Punjab & Haryana: Light to moderate rainfall possible on 1 January.

Mumbai Receives Light Showers
In Mumbai, light rain brought some relief from the usual winter pollution, improving air quality slightly.

The light rainfall across Delhi and Mumbai on New Year’s Day marks the first showers of the season, offering a brief respite from the winter chill and urban pollution. Residents are advised to stay warm and take necessary precautions during early morning fog and nighttime cold.