Several parts of New Delhi received light rain on Tuesday, bringing relief from the scorching conditions, with showers reported in parts of South Delhi and South West Delhi, according to IMD Nowcast.
The rainfall came hours after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for several districts in the national capital, warning residents of thunderstorms, dust storms and gusty winds in the next few hours.
According to the Meteorological Department, dust storms and thunderstorms accompanied by light rain are likely to affect various parts of Delhi on Tuesday as well.
A yellow alert has been issued in Delhi
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for New Delhi, Central Delhi, South Delhi, Southwest Delhi, West Delhi, Northwest Delhi, East Delhi and Southeast Delhi districts.
According to the meteorological office, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 km/h are expected in several areas. Wind speeds could reach up to 60 km/h in isolated places during intense weather activity.
The yellow warning issued by the IMD indicates “to be updated” and advises residents to remain alert and aware of changing weather conditions.
The change in weather brought temporary relief to residents after Delhi recorded a warm morning with temperatures above seasonal averages at several monitoring stations.
Delhi records above normal minimum temperatures
Safdarjung, considered the main weather station of Delhi, recorded a minimum temperature of 27.6 degrees Celsius, which was 2.2 degrees above the season’s normal.
Lodi Road recorded a minimum temperature of 26.4 degrees Celsius, 2.4 degrees above normal, while Ayanagar recorded 26.7 degrees Celsius, 1.8 degrees above the seasonal average.
However, some areas experienced slightly cooler conditions. Ridge station recorded a minimum temperature of 25.6 degrees Celsius, which was 0.5 degrees below normal, while Palam recorded 25.5 degrees Celsius, 0.8 degrees below normal.
According to the IMD, the maximum temperature in the national capital is likely to settle around 35 degrees Celsius.
Gusty wind, rain bring temporary relief
Rain and cloud cover brought relief from the unpleasant weather conditions that have been prevailing in Delhi-NCR for the past few days.
Images from several parts of the city showed cloudy skies and light showers, while dusty winds were reported from some locations before the rain activities intensified.
Forecasters advised residents to remain alert during storm activity, especially when traveling or engaging in outdoor activities, as high winds can affect visibility and traffic movement.
The IMD has also urged people to keep an eye on official weather updates as conditions can change rapidly during the evening and night hours.
Delhi’s air quality remains in the ‘moderate’ category.
On the air quality front, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 157 at 9 am on Monday, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The reading placed the city’s air quality in the “moderate” category.
An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered “good”
51 to 100 is “satisfactory”
101 to 200 is “medium”
301 to 400 is “very bad”
401 to 500 is categorized as “severe”
While light rainfall and gusty winds can temporarily improve pollution levels by dispersing dust particles, experts note that lasting improvements in air quality depend on broader weather patterns and local emission levels.
The IMD is expected to continue monitoring the developing weather system over Delhi-NCR during the next 24 hours.
