Delhi Weather Today: City wakes up to rain and thunderstorms as IMD issues yellow alert; Check latest heatwave & rainfall forecast

Delhi witnessed rainfall in several parts of the national capital early on Sunday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting light rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds for the day. The weather activity is expected to bring a slight drop in temperature over the next few days.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Sunday, warning residents of light rain accompanied by thunder, lightning and surface winds that may reach speeds of up to 50 kmph.

Rain Lashes Parts of Delhi on Sunday Morning

Several areas across the national capital experienced rainfall early on Sunday morning, providing relief after days of warmer conditions. The showers were accompanied by thunder and lightning in some parts of the city.

According to the IMD, the weather conditions may continue through the day, with very light rain or drizzle likely in several areas.

Minimum Temperature Records Slight Dip

The city recorded a slight fall in the minimum temperature on Saturday. The Safdarjung weather station, considered Delhi’s base station, recorded a minimum temperature of 18.1°C, which is three degrees above the seasonal average but 2.3 degrees lower than the previous day.

Other stations also reported a slight drop. Palam and Lodhi Road weather stations recorded a minimum temperature of 16.6°C, both marginally lower than readings from the previous day.

Meanwhile, the maximum temperature in Delhi reached 33.2°C, which is 4.3 degrees above normal and slightly higher than the day before.

Western Disturbance Behind Rainfall Activity

Weather experts say the rainfall has been triggered by a western disturbance approaching the western Himalayas, which has led to cyclonic circulation over central Pakistan and neighbouring Punjab and Haryana.

According to Mahesh Palawat, Vice President of Meteorology and Climate Change at Skymet Weather, the system is likely to bring rainfall across parts of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi over the next two days.

He noted that the showers may mark the season’s first pre-monsoon rainfall, arriving around 10 days earlier than usual due to the combination of the western disturbance and the relatively higher temperatures recorded in recent days.

Temperatures Expected to Fall Further

The IMD has predicted that the rainfall could bring down temperatures in the coming days.

The minimum temperature is expected to range between 14°C and 16°C by Monday, while the maximum temperature is likely to remain between 31°C and 33°C.

Delhi Air Quality Remains in ‘Moderate’ Category

Despite the rainfall, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘moderate’ category on Saturday. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, the city recorded a 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 153 at 4 pm, improving slightly from 189 recorded at the same time on Friday.

As per CPCB standards:

• 0–50: Good
• 51–100: Satisfactory
• 101–200: Moderate
• 201–300: Poor
• 301–400: Very Poor
• 401–500: Severe

Forecasts from the Air Quality Early Warning System indicate that Delhi’s AQI is likely to remain in the ‘moderate’ category over the next few days.

Inputs from PTI