Residents across Delhi-NCR were startled on Thursday evening when cellphones sounded an emergency weather alert around 5pm, warning of a severe thunderstorm and wind speeds that could gust up to 90kmph. Although the strongest winds ultimately fell short of the forecast, reaching a peak of 70kmph at Palam, 59kmph at Pragati Maidan, and 54kmph in Pusa, the storm brought rain across parts of the region, continuing the respite from heat. This also improved the air quality, which turned satisfactory after 21 days.
Weather Patterns and Temperature Trends
A combination of weather effects, including an active western disturbance and confluence of warm and cooler winds, gave the city a breather from heatwaves for the second consecutive day. However, Met officials say temperatures are expected to rise soon. On Saturday, the city experienced a slightly warm afternoon followed by a dust storm, overcast sky, and light-to-moderate rain towards late afternoon to evening, bringing quick relief. Till 5.30pm, base station Safdarjung logged a rainfall of 0.9mm, Rajghat 20.5mm, Lodhi Road 3.8mm, Ridge 0.4mm, and Ayanagar 0.2mm. Weather scientists note that the impact of the western disturbance is diminishing.
The maximum temperature at Safdarjung saw a slight rise at 37.2 degrees Celsius, three notches below normal, compared to 36.8 degrees a day earlier. The Met department expects temperatures of 36-38 degrees Celsius on Sunday, 37-39 on Monday, and 38-40 on Tuesday.
IMD Scientist Explains the Phenomenon
“The western disturbance is still active, but its impact will drop and the temperatures will eventually rise, but no heatwaves are expected over the next seven days. On Saturday, the peak winds that gusted were northwesterly, which were warmer, while the overall winds were cool and moist southeasterly,” said a scientist from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). “It's because of the western disturbance, and interaction of dry mid-level northwesterly winds with low-level moist southwesterly wind that led to strong thunderstorm activity, resulting in gusty winds and rain, not just in Delhi but across northwest India.”
May Weather Recap and Heatwave Spells
May saw a mixed spectrum of weather activity with an average maximum temperature of 39.6 degrees Celsius. While a streak of western disturbances kept the first half of May cool, another streak of heatwave kept the second half warm. The month logged 17.6mm of rainfall against 185.8mm in May 2025. Technically only one heatwave day was logged at Safdarjung; however, a streak lasting over five days and other isolated days kept the city sweating. Delhi has experienced two spells of heatwave this summer. Parts of the city reeled under three consecutive heatwave days from April 23 to 25. Safdarjung saw one heatwave day on April 25 when the mercury climbed to 42.8 degrees Celsius. Some areas recorded a four-day heatwave from May 18 to 21. Safdarjung, though, recorded just one such day on May 19 when the mercury touched 45.1 degrees Celsius.
Air Quality Improvement
The air quality index (AQI), on a scale of 0 to 500, on Saturday was 85 or satisfactory, compared to 123 or moderate a day earlier. On May 8, the AQI was satisfactory at 100.
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About the Author
Kushagra Dixit writes on environmental issues, wildlife conservation, climate change, agriculture, human rights, and scientific research. His investigative coverage encompasses river contamination with emphasis on the Yamuna, air pollution, urban waste, and their collective effects on public wellbeing.
