Watch: Delhi-NCR plunges into darkness at noon amid thunderstorms as icy chill sweeps in from hills

From sunshine to stormy skies in Noida

• Western disturbance brings rain, gusty winds, and chill to Noida and Delhi-NCR
• IMD forecasts cloudy skies, intermittent rain, and morning fog through the week
• Rain improves air quality but causes waterlogging and reduced visibility in NCR

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Dark, low-hanging clouds - a familiar signature of western disturbances — have settled over Noida and large parts of the National Capital Region (NCR), triggering spells of rain, gusty winds and a sharp shift in daily weather conditions this week.

Watch: Srinagar Airport shuts flights amid heavy snowfall - stunning videos steal the show

Read: Western Disturbance chills north India: Rain in Delhi-NCR, snowfall in Kashmir, Himachal and Uttarakhand

Read: Delhi-NCR rain: Moderate showers, thunderstorm across region; cloudy conditions to prevail

Dark rain clouds loom over Noida as icy chill sweeps in from hills pic.twitter.com/NJctAef7gR

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— Sandeep Shreevastava ____ (@SandeepAndes) January 23, 2026

While the system has brought temporary relief from air pollution and winter dryness, it has also caused disruptions ranging from waterlogging to reduced visibility during early morning hours.

Steady showers were recorded across Noida and neighbouring Ghaziabad on Vasant Panchami, January 23, in line with forecasts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The rainfall extended into Delhi, where residents woke up to sudden, short bursts of rain accompanied by strong breezes, intensifying winter chills even as air quality levels showed improvement.

Meteorologists attribute the unsettled conditions to active western disturbances — weather systems that frequently move across north India during winter. These disturbances are known to cloak the region in dense cloud cover, unleashing brief but sometimes intense showers, along with gusty winds and, on occasion, hailstorms.

While such systems help lower air pollution levels, they also strain urban infrastructure, often leading to traffic congestion, power outages and temporary waterlogging in low-lying areas.

According to the IMD, the coming days will remain dominated by cloudy skies, intermittent light rainfall and recurring early morning fog. Although temperatures are expected to stay moderate, reduced visibility during the morning hours may affect travel and routine activities across the NCR.

A detailed forecast for Noida suggests a pattern of fluctuating but persistently overcast conditions. On January 23, skies are expected to remain partly cloudy with one or two spells of rain or possible thundershowers, which may be brief but intense, particularly later in the day.

Fog or mist is likely during the early mornings of January 24 and 25, with visibility improving gradually as the day progresses. Similar foggy conditions are forecast for January 26, followed by comparatively warmer afternoons once the mist clears.

The cloudy trend is set to continue into the latter part of the week. January 27 and 28 are expected to see generally overcast skies with light rain at intervals, accompanied by slightly cooler conditions that may feel brisk during the morning and evening hours.

In Delhi, the weather agency issued an orange alert in its nowcast, warning of rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds in several areas on Friday morning. While no extreme weather has been forecast, the IMD has cautioned that the combination of cloud cover, rain and fog could continue to disrupt daily life across the region.