New Delhi: Delhi woke up to a pleasant and slightly cool Thursday morning with light breezy conditions, even as weather experts flagged an unusual pattern this March marked by repeated spells of rain. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the national capital is likely to witness thunderstorms with light rain during the day. The minimum temperature settled around 17 degrees Celsius, while the maximum may reach 34 degrees Celsius.
IMD Forecast for Today
The India Meteorological Department has issued a forecast of thunderstorm with rain for Thursday. Here is what the numbers look like:
- Minimum Temperature: Around 17 degrees Celsius
- Maximum Temperature: Around 34 degrees Celsius
- Wednesday’s Maximum: 33.5 degrees Celsius at Safdarjung — two notches above normal
Unusual Weather Pattern this March
Experts say the current weather trend is not typical for March. Normally, the city sees only isolated pre-monsoon showers, but this year has recorded multiple spells of rainfall.
Mahesh Palawat of Skymet Weather explained that the change is due to a series of active western disturbances.
“Unusual rainfall activity has been observed this March. Typically, the month sees only isolated pre-monsoon showers, but this time there have been multiple spells of rain. This is due to a series of western disturbances, one of which has been active since March 15 and is approaching at a lower altitude than usual,” he said.
He added that another western disturbance has created a cyclonic circulation over central Pakistan and adjoining parts of northwest Rajasthan and west Haryana.
“As a result, parts of Delhi are likely to experience high wind speeds, light rain and mild dust storms tomorrow. While this system may not significantly impact temperatures immediately, a more pronounced effect is expected towards the end of the month,” he said.
Rain Likely to Intensify by Month-end
Palawat said rainfall activity is expected to increase further towards the end of March.
“Between March 29 and 31, widespread rainfall activity is likely across large parts of India. This extended spell is expected to bring down temperatures, with daytime readings likely to settle in the mid-20s degrees Celsius towards the end of March,” he said.
Temperature Across City Stations
On Wednesday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 33.5 degrees Celsius, which was two notches above normal.
Among key stations, Ridge recorded the highest maximum temperature at 34 degrees Celsius, followed by Lodi Road at 33.8 degrees Celsius, Ayanagar at 33.7 degrees Celsius and Safdarjung at 33.5 degrees Celsius. The lowest maximum temperature was recorded at Palam at 31.9 degrees Celsius.
For minimum temperatures, Lodi Road and Ayanagar were the coolest at 15.7 degrees Celsius, followed by Safdarjung at 16.4 degrees Celsius, while Ridge and Palam recorded 16.8 degrees Celsius.
Air Quality Remains Moderate
Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘moderate’ category, with an AQI of 183. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System, the air quality is expected to stay in the ‘moderate’ range from Thursday to March 28.
As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between 101 and 200 falls under the ‘moderate’ category.
Overall, Delhi is set to witness a mix of breezy conditions, light rain and dust storms, making this March stand out as slightly unusual compared to previous years.
Stay Prepared
Residents heading out today should carry an umbrella, watch out for sudden dust storms and avoid stepping out during peak thunderstorm hours. The week ahead promises more rain, cooler evenings and an unusually wet end to March.
(With Inputs from PTI)
