Delhi Witnesses Light Rainfall, NCR Receives Intense Showers on Sunday
New Delhi recorded widespread but light to very light rain on Sunday morning, while certain areas of the National Capital Region (NCR) experienced intense showers. This weather activity led to a noticeable drop in temperatures across the city, providing temporary relief from the heat.
Temperature Trends and Weather Patterns
On Sunday, the maximum temperature at the base station was 30.1 degrees Celsius, which is one notch above normal, compared to 33.2 degrees Celsius the previous day. The minimum temperature settled at 18.1 degrees Celsius, four notches below normal, remaining unchanged from the day before. Despite the rainfall, daytime temperatures stayed above normal as the overcast morning sky gave way to sun and partial cloud cover later in the day.
Expert Analysis and Forecast
Mahesh Palawat from Skymet provided insights into the weather conditions. He stated, "The western disturbance is exiting, though the remnant moisture may lead to drizzling on Monday at a few places in NCR. The temperatures will rise, however, not sharply. On March 19 and March 20, there is a possibility of widespread rain again." This indicates that while temperatures are expected to increase marginally in the coming days, another western disturbance is likely to bring widespread rain by the middle of next week, effectively keeping the heat under control.
Rainfall Data from IMD
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported specific rainfall measurements for various locations in Delhi. Between 5:30 am and 8:30 am, Safdarjung and Lodhi Road logged 0.8 mm of rainfall, Palam recorded 0.4 mm, Ayanagar saw 2.6 mm, and Pitampura received 3.5 mm. Later, from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Safdarjung recorded 0.4 mm, Palam had a trace, Lodhi Road and Pusa both recorded 0.5 mm, and Ayanagar logged 0.8 mm of rainfall.
Current Weather Systems and Future Outlook
IMD detailed the existing weather systems, noting that a western disturbance persists as an upper air cyclonic circulation over north Punjab and its neighbourhood, located between 1.5 and 3.1 km above mean sea level. Additionally, a trough aloft in the middle and upper-level westerlies at 5.8 km above mean sea level is present. A fresh western disturbance is anticipated to affect northwest India starting from the night of March 17, which is expected to trigger further rainfall activity in the region.
This weather pattern highlights the dynamic nature of Delhi's climate during this period, with alternating phases of rain and temperature fluctuations influenced by western disturbances.
