Rain, dust storm bring respite from heatwave

After days of sweltering heat, Delhi experienced a welcome change in weather on Thursday evening as parts of the city witnessed light rain, gusty winds and dust storm. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast continued relief in the form of rain and thunderstorms over the next few days.

The city recorded its warmest night of the season on Wednesday, with minimum temperature touching 25.9 degrees Celsius, nearly six notches above normal and the highest April night temperature in three years, IMD data showed.

According to the IMD, “warm night” conditions are declared when the minimum temperature is 4.5 degrees Celsius to 6.4 degrees Celsius above normal and the maximum crosses 40 degrees Celsius.

On Thursday, several areas, including Ridge and Ayanagar, reported heatwave conditions with daytime highs of 40.9 degrees Celsius and 40.2 degrees Celsius, respectively. Safdarjung recorded a maximum of 39.6 degrees Celsius, while Palam and Lodhi Road logged highs of 39.1 degrees Celsius and 39.6 degrees Celsius, respectively.

By evening, sky turned cloudy accompanied by light rain and dust storm, offering much-needed respite to residents.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Friday with forecast of light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty surface winds. Maximum temperatures are expected to hover between 36-38 degrees Celsius and minimum between 23-25 degrees Celsius. Saturday is likely to see partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging between 19 degrees Celsius and 37 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘poor’ category with an AQI of 256 at 4 pm, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. No heatwave is predicted for the next seven days.

Delhi