A thunderstorm struck parts of Delhi on Saturday morning, with wind speeds reaching 81 kmph, providing temporary relief from the prevailing heat. However, the respite was short-lived as temperatures climbed again during the day, and heatwave conditions are expected to return from Sunday, with the mercury forecast to hover between 43 and 45 degrees Celsius.
Weather Phenomenon and Impact
Under the influence of a feeble western disturbance and convection, several areas experienced gusty winds, thunderstorms, and very light rainfall. The highest wind speed of 81 kmph was recorded at Pusa, followed by 56 kmph at Palam and 35 kmph at Pragati Maidan. While Safdarjung, the city's base station, recorded no rainfall until 5:30 pm, Palam and Ayanagar reported trace rainfall, Pitampura received 1 mm, and the Ridge logged 0.2 mm until 8:30 am.
Temperature Fluctuations
The thunderstorm led to only a marginal dip in temperatures. At Safdarjung, the maximum fell by one degree Celsius, while Pitampura recorded the sharpest drop, from 35.3 degrees Celsius before the storm to 29.5 degrees Celsius after it. A Met official explained, 'Convection develops after a spell of very high temperatures. Very light rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and dust storms was observed at some places over Delhi.' The mercury climbed again during the day, with Safdarjung recording a maximum of 41.1 degrees Celsius, one degree above normal, compared with 43.3 degrees Celsius a day earlier.
Heatwave Forecast and Alerts
Although no heatwave was recorded for the second consecutive day, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Sunday and Monday, with a yellow alert in place from May 26 to 28. Heatwave conditions are very likely to prevail from May 24 to 28, with maximum temperatures expected to rise by 2-3 degrees Celsius over the next four days, followed by a fall of about 2 degrees Celsius. According to IMD, a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature is at least 4.5 degrees Celsius above normal and reaches 40 degrees Celsius or more, or when the maximum touches 45 degrees Celsius or higher.
Minimum Temperature and Air Quality
The minimum temperature settled at 28.4 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal. Minimum temperatures are likely to rise by around 2 degrees Celsius over the next two days, followed by a slight fall of 1-2 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality remained in the 'moderate' category, with an air quality index (AQI) of 195, compared with 183 a day earlier.
