Rain likely next week, Delhi readies for cloud seeding

“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,” said the IMD in its Friday weather bulletin.

According to the forecast, the city will experience mainly clear sky until Sunday. On October 27, light rain or drizzle is expected in the evening or night, followed by a generally cloudy sky with light precipitation early October 28.

A “successful proving flight” was conducted on Thursday to test aircraft readiness, flare systems, and coordination protocols ahead of the main seeding operation.

Experts, however, questioned the long-term benefits of such interventions. Dr Manoj Kumar, air pollution analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), said, “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.”

He added that nearly half of Delhi’s air pollution originates outside the city as transboundary pollution, limiting the potential impact of localised rain.