Delhi weather: IMD issues Yellow Alert, rain likely on Friday and Saturday

Delhi weather update: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Delhi, forecasting light to moderate rainfall across the national capital on Friday and Saturday. The rain is expected to bring some relief from the sultry conditions and push down daytime temperatures.

Delhi experienced hot and humid weather on Thursday, with only light rain reported in isolated parts of the city. At Safdarjung, Delhi’s base weather station, the maximum temperature climbed to 34.9 degrees Celsius, around one degree above normal.

The heat felt considerably more intense. The heat index, or “feels-like” temperature, reached 46.8 degrees Celsius at 2.30 pm, highlighting the impact of humidity despite the possibility of rain.

Delhi weather forecast for Friday and Saturday

The IMD has forecast a generally cloudy sky with light to moderate rain in Delhi on Friday and Saturday. Multiple spells of light rain are expected at many places, while moderate rainfall could occur at isolated locations.

A Met official said that rain is expected at most places during the two days, although some areas could receive only very light showers.

The rainfall is also expected to lower temperatures. The maximum temperature is forecast to remain around 31-33 degrees Celsius on Friday and 30-32 degrees Celsius on Saturday.

The minimum temperature in Safdarjung was recorded at 27 degrees Celsius on Thursday, about one degree above normal. It is expected to remain between 25 and 27 degrees Celsius on Friday.

However, the weather pattern is expected to change after the weekend. The IMD has indicated that rain is unlikely from Monday to Wednesday, suggesting a return to relatively drier conditions.

Rainfall recorded across Delhi

Although Safdarjung did not record rainfall between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm Thursday, several other parts of Delhi received showers.

Jharoda Kalan recorded 9.5 mm of rain, the highest during this period. Jafarpur received 2.5 mm, Najafgarh 1 mm and Pusa 0.5 mm, while Palam recorded trace rainfall.

In the 24 hours leading up to 8.30 am Thursday, Ayanagar recorded 3.9 mm of rainfall, followed by Palam with 3.1 mm and Lodhi Road with 0.8 mm. Safdarjung and the Ridge recorded no rain during this period.

Rainfall between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm was nil at Safdarjung, Lodhi Road, the Ridge and Ayanagar, while Palam received trace rainfall.

Temperatures at Delhi weather stations

Weather conditions varied considerably across the capital on Thursday.

Palam recorded a maximum temperature of 32.4 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 24.2 degrees Celsius. Lodhi Road recorded a maximum of 33.8 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 26.4 degrees Celsius.

At the Ridge, the maximum temperature was 33.7 degrees Celsius, while the minimum dropped to 22.8 degrees Celsius. Ayanagar recorded a maximum of 33.2 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 26.2 degrees Celsius.

The readings highlight the variation in temperature and rainfall across different parts of Delhi despite the city-wide forecast of rain.

Delhi air quality remains satisfactory

Delhi's air quality remained in the “satisfactory” category on Thursday. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the city's AQI stood at 74 at 4 pm.

The CPCB classifies an AQI of 0-50 as “good”, 51-100 as “satisfactory”, 101-200 as “moderate”, 201-300 as “poor”, 301-400 as “very poor” and 401-500 as “severe”.

With rain expected over the next two days, weather conditions could bring some temporary changes to pollution levels. However, the longer-term air quality will depend on rainfall, wind speed and other local meteorological conditions.

Delhi weather outlook

The immediate outlook points to a cooler and wetter Friday and Saturday, with cloudy skies and spells of rain likely across the capital. Daytime temperatures could fall by several degrees from Thursday's 34.9 degrees Celsius.

For residents, the expected showers may offer some relief from the combination of heat and humidity. However, the IMD's yellow alert means people should remain alert to changing weather conditions, particularly during periods of moderate rainfall.

The weather is expected to turn relatively drier next week, with rain unlikely from Monday through Wednesday.