Heavy rains hit Delhi-NCR, 17 flights diverted

New Delhi : The Delhi-NCR region witnessed heavy rainfall on Thursday evening, raising hopes amid the residents for better air quality.

The winter chill is likely to be escalated with the rainfall. During the day (Thursday), the Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the 'severe' category with major pollutants PM 10 at 372 and PM 2.5 at 257, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

The air quality in Delhi and NCR had fallen on Wednesday after decrease in temperatures and air speed very low.

The rain is also expected in several parts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and a few other north Indian states.

Meanwhile, there are reports of heavy snowfall in Uttarakhand, forcing authorities to close the schools and government institutions. 

Cold wave conditions also intensified following rain, snowfall in many parts of Himachal Pradesh and the maximum temperatures have dropped by 7-8 degrees Celsius.

As pollution levels in north India rose alarmingly over the last two days, environmental advocacy organizations requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday to declare a national health emergency, PTI reported.