Delhi-NCR Witnesses Widespread Rainfall and Overcast Conditions
Several parts of Delhi-NCR experienced rain and overcast skies on Friday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for rain and thunderstorms. Persistent cloud cover and intermittent rainfall provided significant relief to the city, which had been grappling with warmer conditions in recent days.
Rainfall Data and Temperature Trends
Rainfall was recorded at multiple stations across Delhi till 8:30 am, including Safdarjung (8.2 mm), Palam (6.2 mm), Lodhi Road (8.2 mm), Ridge (8.6 mm), and Ayanagar (7.2 mm). Other stations such as Pitampura (5.5 mm), Pusa (11.0 mm), Mayur Vihar (3.0 mm), and Janakpuri (12.5 mm) also reported showers of varying intensity. Light rainfall had been observed in parts of Delhi on Wednesday as well, with Ayanagar recording 0.5 mm till 2:30 pm and 0.7 mm by 5:30 pm, while Mayur Vihar saw 3.0 mm of precipitation.
Maximum temperatures across the city remained notably below normal on Thursday. For instance, Safdarjung and Lodhi Road recorded 26.8°C, which were 4.5 and 3.2 degrees below normal, respectively. Ridge recorded 26.5°C, 5.3 degrees below normal, while Palam and Ayanagar recorded 25.3°C and 25.2°C, 6.3 and 6.8 degrees below normal. In contrast, minimum temperatures at night were relatively warmer at some stations, with Safdarjung at 17.6°C (1.1 degrees above normal), Palam at 17.0°C (0.6 degrees above normal), and Lodhi Road at 17.7°C (2.7 degrees above normal).
Weather Forecast and Meteorological Insights
Earlier, the IMD had predicted hailstorm and thunderstorm with moderate rainfall and lightning, accompanied by gusty winds of 40–50 kmph over Delhi, Noida, Dadri, and Greater Noida. Similar conditions are expected to continue on Friday, with light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds likely over parts of Delhi-NCR.
Mahesh Palawat of Skymet explained the meteorological factors behind this weather pattern. "Western disturbance is currently positioned over North Pakistan and adjoining Jammu and Kashmir, which is why the western Himalayan regions are witnessing heavy rainfall. At the same time, an induced cyclonic circulation over Haryana is leading to rainfall across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab," he said. Palawat added that although earlier forecasts indicated stronger rainfall activity, the system is now moving towards the eastern parts of the country, and conditions are likely to remain similar to what is being experienced at present.
He also noted that pre-monsoon activity has arrived earlier than usual this year. "Typically, it begins towards the end of March, but this time it has been advanced because the first 10 days of March recorded unusually high temperatures, and the western disturbance has been more intense. As a result, the pre-monsoon phase has been preponed," Palawat stated.
Air Quality Improvement
Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) improved to 137 on Friday, falling into the "moderate" category, up from "poor" the previous day. Rainfall and strong winds helped disperse pollutants, contributing to this positive change. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered “good”, 51 to 100 “satisfactory”, 101 to 200 “moderate”, 201 to 300 “poor”, 301 to 400 “very poor”, and 401 to 500 “severe”.
This weather event highlights the dynamic nature of Delhi's climate, with rainfall providing temporary relief from heat and pollution, while meteorological patterns indicate an early onset of pre-monsoon activities.
