Delhi weather: IMD predicts rain, thunderstorms and high winds on Thursday

Delhi is set to witness another spell of strong winds, mild dust storms and light rain on Thursday, in what experts describe as an unusually active March for weather systems, reports PTI.

The national capital recorded a maximum temperature of 33.5 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, which is two notches above normal.

The India Meteorological Department has predicted thunderstorms accompanied by rain on Thursday. The minimum temperature is expected to hover around 18 degrees Celsius, while the maximum may touch 34 degrees Celsius.

Why March weather has been unusual this year

According to Mahesh Palawat of Skymet, multiple western disturbances have led to repeated rainfall spells this month, unlike the usual isolated pre-monsoon showers, as told to PTI.

He noted that one such system has been active since March 15 and is approaching at a lower altitude than normal. Another western disturbance has triggered a cyclonic circulation over central Pakistan and adjoining regions of northwest Rajasthan and west Haryana.

Wind, dust storms and cooling expected

Due to these systems, parts of Delhi are likely to experience high wind speeds, light rain and mild dust storms. While the immediate impact on temperatures may be limited, a more noticeable drop is expected towards the end of the month.

Palawat added that between March 29 and 31, widespread rainfall is likely across large parts of India. This extended spell could bring daytime temperatures down to the mid-20s degrees Celsius.

Station-wise temperature readings across Delhi

Among key weather stations, Ridge recorded the highest maximum temperature at 34 degrees Celsius, followed by Lodi Road at 33.8 degrees Celsius, Ayanagar at 33.7 degrees Celsius and Safdarjung at 33.5 degrees Celsius. The lowest maximum was recorded at Palam at 31.9 degrees Celsius.

For minimum temperatures, Lodi Road and Ayanagar recorded the lowest at 15.7 degrees Celsius, followed by Safdarjung at 16.4 degrees Celsius, while Ridge and Palam reported 16.8 degrees Celsius.

Air quality remains in moderate category

Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘moderate’ category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 183. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System, the AQI is likely to stay in the moderate range until March 28.

As per Central Pollution Control Board standards, an AQI between 101 and 200 is classified as ‘moderate’, while higher levels indicate progressively worsening air quality.