Key Points:
- Low pressure area formed over Malacca Strait on November 22, intensifying into cyclonic storm over southeast Bay of Bengal by November 24
- Heavy to very heavy rainfall predicted for Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar Islands between November 23-28
- Delhi’s air quality index reaches hazardous 559, prompting health emergency measures
- Minimum temperatures to drop 2-3°C across northwest India over next four days
- Dense fog conditions expected in West Uttar Pradesh during morning hours
The India Meteorological Department has issued a severe weather warning as a low-pressure area formed over the Malacca Strait and adjoining South Andaman Sea on November 22, 2025. This system is likely to intensify into a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal around November 24, 2025, and may further develop into a cyclonic storm within the subsequent 48 hours.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely over the Andaman & Nicobar Islands during November 23-28, with gusty wind speeds reaching 40-50 kmph. The southern peninsula will experience widespread rainfall, with Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Mahe expecting heavy downpour during November 23-25. Thunderstorms with lightning are very likely over Tamil Nadu on November 24 and 25, while Kerala and Mahe may experience similar conditions until November 26. Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Lakshadweep are also under a heavy rainfall warning for November 23-24.
Cold Wave Intensifies Across Northern India
Severe cold wave conditions continue to prevail across eastern, northeastern, and northwestern India. The Meteorological Department predicts a gradual fall in minimum temperatures by 2-3°C over many parts of northwest India during the next four days. Dense fog conditions are very likely to prevail during the night and early morning hours in isolated pockets of the northern parts of West Uttar Pradesh on November 23 and 24.
In Rajasthan, the cold wave has shown its impact with Fatehpur recording the lowest minimum temperature at 7.1°C. While six cities recorded minimum temperatures at 10°C or above, the overall conditions remain chilly with light to moderate fog expected during morning hours. The weather department indicates no significant temperature change is expected over the next 4-5 days.
Delhi Air Quality Reaches Hazardous Levels
The national capital continues to choke under severe air pollution, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching hazardous levels of 559 on Sunday, according to private tracker AQI.in. The Air Quality Early Warning System pegged the AQI at 397, while the Central Pollution Control Board recorded an average AQI of 391, just nine points short of the ‘severe’ threshold.
The PM2.5 concentration measured 331 µg/m³, which is 22 times above the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 15 µg/m³. Breathing this air is equivalent to smoking 11.8 cigarettes daily. Several monitoring stations recorded hazardous levels, including Ashok Vihar (702), Maidan Garhi (734), and West Sant Nagar Burari (629). Neighboring cities also suffered, with Ghaziabad at 536, Noida at 529, and Greater Noida at 607.
The Commission for Air Quality Management has tightened the Graded Response Action Plan, implementing stricter measures at lower pollution levels. Schools have suspended all outdoor activities, and residents are advised to minimize outdoor exposure and use N-95 masks when necessary. The IMD recorded a minimum temperature of 10.4°C on Sunday, 0.9°C below normal, with humidity touching 86%.
Temperature Updates for Major Cities
Current temperature readings across major cities show significant variation, with Delhi experiencing a maximum of 25°C and a minimum of 11°C. Mumbai remains warm at 34°C maximum, while hill stations like Shimla and Nainital record minimums of 6°C. Kolkata, Chennai, Lucknow, Patna, Ranchi, Bhopal, and Jaipur show temperatures reflective of diverse weather patterns across the country.
The weather department forecasts moderate fog on Monday for the capital, with maximum temperature around 25°C and minimum around 10°C, while calm to light winds are expected to persist below 10 kmph.
