New Delhi witnessed an abrupt shift in weather conditions as rain lashed parts of the national capital on Sunday, offering significant respite from the prevailing heat. Visuals captured near Indira Gandhi International Airport showed rain sweeping across several areas, leading to a noticeable decline in temperature. Residents, who had been grappling with hot and humid conditions over the past few days, welcomed the change.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier forecast on Saturday that the maximum temperature would likely hover around 40 degrees Celsius on Sunday, with a potential rise to 42 degrees Celsius by Tuesday. However, the rain brought immediate cooling. According to the IMD, another spell of very light to light rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching up to 60 kmph, is expected on June 11 and 12. This weather system is likely to bring down the maximum temperature to around 35–37 degrees Celsius on June 12.
On Saturday, the maximum temperature rose to 40 degrees Celsius, which is near normal for this time of year. This was a rise from 35.8 degrees Celsius recorded a day earlier. The heat index, or 'feels-like' temperature, touched 44.8 degrees Celsius at 2:30 pm on Saturday, underscoring the intensity of the heat before the rain arrived.
The sudden downpour has brought a sense of relief to Delhiites, who have been enduring scorching temperatures. The IMD's forecast suggests that the coming days may see further moderation in weather conditions, with the mercury expected to drop significantly by June 12. Residents are advised to stay prepared for thunderstorms and gusty winds during the predicted spell.
