Delhi's Extended Rainy Spell to Continue with Thunderstorms Forecast
New Delhi's ongoing encounter with rainfall shows no signs of abating, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting light precipitation spells across the national capital on Tuesday. The city has experienced intermittent light showers and cooler-than-average temperatures for approximately the past fifteen days, following an unusually warm commencement to March.
Weather Systems Influencing Northwest India
According to meteorological authorities, a fresh western disturbance, coupled with a cyclonic circulation situated over northwest Rajasthan and central Pakistan, is anticipated to affect weather patterns throughout northwest India. This atmospheric configuration is driving the current and forecasted weather conditions in the region.
Recent Temperature and Rainfall Observations
On Saturday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 32 degrees Celsius, which registers two degrees below the seasonal normal. Conversely, the minimum temperature reached 20.7 degrees Celsius, marking 1.9 degrees above normal. This elevation in nighttime temperatures is attributed to overcast skies that effectively trap heat during the evening hours.
Specific rainfall measurements were documented between late Friday night and Saturday morning across various monitoring stations:
- Palam: 1.9 mm
- Lodhi Road: 0.3 mm
- Ridge: 1.9 mm
- Ayanagar: 5.8 mm
IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Tuesday
The IMD has officially issued a yellow alert for Tuesday, forecasting one or two episodes of very light to light rain throughout the day. These showers are expected to be accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds with speeds ranging between 30 to 40 kilometers per hour.
Temperature and Air Quality Outlook
Weather projections indicate that the maximum temperature in Delhi will likely stay below 34 degrees Celsius over the coming six days, while the minimum temperature is expected to remain under 20 degrees Celsius.
In a positive development, the city's air quality witnessed substantial improvement following the recent rainfall and increased wind speeds. The Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped significantly from 266, categorized as poor, on Friday to 137, falling within the moderate range, on Saturday. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS), the AQI is predicted to maintain moderate levels until at least Friday.
