Delhi Weather Update: Warm Conditions and Rain Forecast
NEW DELHI: The city witnessed a warm afternoon on Thursday, with a notable spike in the maximum temperature. However, overcast skies towards late afternoon provided some respite by evening. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted patchy rain for both Thursday and Friday, although no areas received rainfall by late Thursday evening.
Temperature Trends and Forecast
On Thursday, the maximum temperature at Safdarjung, the base station, was recorded at 34.8 degrees Celsius, which is three notches above the normal level. This marked an increase from 33.5 degrees Celsius recorded the previous day. The minimum temperature settled at 19.2 degrees Celsius, two notches above normal, compared to 16.4 degrees Celsius a day earlier.
According to IMD, the maximum and minimum temperatures on Friday are expected to hover around 29-31 degrees Celsius and 19-21 degrees Celsius, respectively. The department anticipates that temperatures will remain above normal for the next 24 hours before starting to fall.
Detailed Weather Predictions
IMD stated, "Another western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from the night of March 28. There will be a rise in maximum temperature by 1-2°C during the next 24 hours, followed by a fall of 3-4°C during the subsequent 24 hours. Temperatures will then rise by 2-3°C on March 28 and 29, and fall by 2-3°C thereafter."
The forecast indicates that temperatures will be above normal for the next 24 hours, below normal on March 27, 30, and 31, and normal on other days over Delhi. A spell of very light rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds with speeds of 20-30 kmph, gusting up to 40 kmph, is expected from morning to forenoon on March 27. Another similar spell is predicted from afternoon to evening on the same day.
Additionally, very light to light rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph is forecast for morning hours on March 29, with another spell from forenoon to afternoon. On March 30, there is a possibility of very light to light rain. A yellow alert for rain and thunderstorms has been issued for Sunday due to the influence of a western disturbance.
Air Quality Status
Meanwhile, the air quality in Delhi remained moderate. On Thursday, the 24-hour air quality index (AQI) at 4 pm was recorded at 186, compared to 185 the previous day—both falling within the moderate category on a scale of 0 to 500. As per the forecast, the AQI is likely to stay within the moderate range over the next seven days.
This weather update highlights the fluctuating conditions in the capital, with residents advised to stay prepared for potential rain and gusty winds in the coming days.
