Delhi-NCR residents get respite from heatwave, light rain recorded
What's the story
Residents of Delhi and its neighboring areas were greeted with light rain on Saturday morning, providing much-needed respite from the intense heat that has been gripping the National Capital Region (NCR) for weeks. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed this change in weather to thunderstorm activity over northwest India. However, temperatures are likely to rise again from Sunday.
Weather update
Heatwave conditions to continue till May 28
On Friday, temperatures in Delhi hovered above 43°C. The Safdarjung weather station recorded a maximum temperature of 43.3°C, which is slightly above normal for this time of year. The IMD has forecasted a minimum temperature of 28°C and a maximum of 44°C for Saturday, with heatwave conditions likely to continue till May 28.
Weather change
Change in wind direction brings slight dip in temperatures
Mahesh Palawat from Skymet Weather explained that till Thursday, winds were blowing from Rajasthan across the Thar Desert, making the air extremely dry and leading to a sharp spike in maximum temperatures. However, with a change in wind direction, temperatures dipped slightly on Friday. A cyclonic circulation over Pakistan and adjoining Punjab and Haryana is also expected to bring very light rain or thunderstorms at isolated places.
Weather forecast
Pre-monsoon activity expected in early June
Palawat said while the cyclonic circulation may not have a significant impact on daytime temperatures, it could bring some relief during evening and early morning hours. He added that temperatures are likely to rise again after this weather activity. "From early June, pre-monsoon activity is expected," he said, which could provide some respite to residents from the scorching heat.