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Double Rain Affect in Delhi? City Awaits First Cloud Seeding Experiment as Western Disturbance Nears

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts light rain or drizzle in Delhi from October 27 to 28 due to a new Western Disturbance. This weather change coincides with the city’s upcoming cloud seeding operation aimed at reducing post-Diwali pollution.

Light Rain Likely in Delhi This Weekend as IMD Forecasts Western Disturbance; Cloud Seeding Operation Set to Begin (AI-generated image)
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light rain or drizzle in Delhi between October 27 and 28, as a fresh Western Disturbance approaches the northern plains early next week. The brief spell of wet weather will arrive just ahead of the Delhi government’s planned cloud seeding operation, a much-anticipated experiment aimed at inducing artificial rainfall to tackle the city’s stubborn post-Diwali pollution.

IMD Predicts Light Showers Over the Weekend

According to the IMD’s Friday bulletin, “A fresh Western Disturbance is likely to impact the western Himalayan region and adjoining northern plains from October 27 to the morning of October 29. Under its influence, one or two spells of very light rain or drizzle are likely over Delhi during the evening of October 27 to the morning of October 28.”
Until then, the city is expected to see mainly clear skies. On Sunday evening, however, residents might notice light showers or drizzle, followed by a generally cloudy sky and light precipitation early on October 28.

Delhi Gears Up for Cloud Seeding to Combat Pollution

The timing of this natural drizzle is significant, it coincides with Delhi’s upcoming cloud seeding project, scheduled between October 28 and 30. Conducted in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, the operation aims to trigger artificial rain that could help settle airborne pollutants and bring temporary relief from the capital’s smog-choked skies.

Cloud seeding involves dispersing chemical particles such as silver iodide, potassium iodide, or sodium chloride into clouds. These act as nuclei for water droplets to form around, encouraging rainfall where natural precipitation might otherwise fail.
A “successful proving flight” was carried out on Thursday to test the aircraft’s readiness, flare systems, and coordination protocols, marking the final preparation before the main operation.

Experts Question Long-Term Impact

However, experts remain cautious about the broader impact of such weather-modification efforts. Dr Manoj Kumar, an air pollution analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), noted, “Let’s assume cloud seeding is 100% successful… How many days will the air be clean? It’s like another smog tower. Once the monsoon ends, pollution levels rise again. Instead of investing in cloud seeding, focus should be on reduction at source.”
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