Delhi Weather Today: As India braces for early summer across several regions, there has been a rapid switch in weather conditions, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds in several parts over the next few days, even as the temperature soars.
IMD sounds yellow alert for Delhi
Early on Sunday, Delhi witnessed rainfall in several parts of the national capital. The IMD is forecasting light rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds for the day. It is expected that the weather activity will bring a slight relief to the residents as the temperature will likely drop over the next few days.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Sunday, warning residents of light rain accompanied by thunder, lightning and surface winds that may reach speeds of up to 50 kmph.
Delhi records slight fall in minimum temperature
Delhi recorded a slight fall in the minimum temperature on Saturday. The Safdarjung weather station, considered Delhi’s base station, recorded a minimum temperature of 18.1°C, which is three degrees above the seasonal average but 2.3 degrees lower than the previous day.
Other stations also reported a slight drop. Palam and Lodhi Road weather stations recorded a minimum temperature of 16.6°C, both marginally lower than readings from the previous day.
Meanwhile, the maximum temperature in Delhi reached 33.2°C, which is 4.3 degrees above normal and slightly higher than the day before.
As per media reports, weather experts said that the rainfall has been triggered by a western disturbance approaching the western Himalayas, which has led to cyclonic circulation over central Pakistan and neighbouring Punjab and Haryana.
Rainfall likely to bring down temperature
The IMD has predicted that the rainfall could bring down temperatures in the coming days.
The minimum temperature is expected to range between 14°C and 16°C by Monday, while the maximum temperature is likely to remain between 31°C and 33°C.
Delhi’s air quality remains in ‘moderate’ category
Despite the rainfall, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘moderate’ category on Saturday. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, the city recorded a 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 153 at 4 pm, improving slightly from 189 recorded at the same time on Friday.
As per CPCB standards:
0–50: Good
51–100: Satisfactory
101–200: Moderate
201–300: Poor
301–400: Very Poor
401–500: Severe
On March 15, light dust storms and rain or drizzle may occur at isolated places in Ajmer, Jaipur and Bharatpur divisions, districts of the Shekhawati region, and Ganganagar and Hanumangarh districts and adjoining areas.
(With agency inputs and Economic Times)
