A timely downpour coupled with strong gusty winds brought Delhi some respite from the punishing summer heat on Friday night, signalling a temporary yet much-needed reversal in the capital’s rising temperature trajectory.
The mercury had soared to a stifling 41 degrees Celsius earlier in the day, a full 4.2 degrees above the seasonal norm. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this sharp spike was briefly quelled by late-night showers and thunderstorm activity, which significantly eased ambient heat and improved air circulation across the city. Saturday began on a noticeably fresher note, with the IMD forecasting a partly cloudy sky and intermittent rain through the evening. Wind speeds were predicted to hover between 40 to 50 km/h, with gusts potentially peaking at 60 km/h, creating favourable conditions for temporary cooling. The minimum temperature remained tolerable at 26 degrees Celsius, while the maximum was expected to remain steady around 41 degrees. Encouragingly, the forecast ruled out the likelihood of a heatwave over the coming days, providing momentary comfort to both residents and workers enduring prolonged outdoor exposure. Delhi’s heat stress index has become a subject of recurring concern, particularly for urban planners and policymakers focused on building climate-resilient cities.
The broader meteorological outlook suggested continued rainfall in parts of eastern and northeastern India over the next five days, accompanied by lightning and thunderstorms. Southern regions such as Kerala and Mahe are also likely to experience extended wet spells over the next week, underlining the shifting weather patterns in tropical India due to climate irregularities. For Delhi, this brief phase of reprieve is not just meteorological but also environmental. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 166 on Saturday morning—comfortably within the ‘moderate’ category. This marks a significant improvement from Friday’s reading of 201 and Thursday’s average of 219, suggesting that rainfall continues to be a powerful natural ally in curbing pollution and enhancing urban livability.
Neighbouring areas in the National Capital Region (NCR) mirrored similar trends. Noida and Greater Noida recorded AQIs of 165 and 170 respectively, while Gurugram stood at 175 and Ghaziabad at 189—all within the ‘moderate’ classification. These figures indicate a broad regional improvement in air quality that coincides directly with meteorological changes. While the improvement remains temporary and heavily reliant on unpredictable weather events, the development underscores the urgent need for long-term strategies to combat heatwaves, urban heat islands, and persistent air pollution through sustainable urban planning, green cover expansion, and decentralised cooling solutions.
With Delhi frequently ranking among the most polluted and heat-stressed cities globally, this recent spell of rain provides more than just physical comfort—it renews the public discourse on climate adaptation and the crucial role of early intervention in infrastructure planning. The city’s future lies in how swiftly it integrates such lessons into policy, moving towards an equitable, climate-conscious, and human-centred approach to urban governance.
Also Read :https://urbanacres.in/goa-plans-green-spaces-in-cities-to-tackle-heat-and-pollution-rise/
