Delhi-NCR is likely to see a brief weather shift on October 9, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting partly cloudy skies and scattered light rain or drizzle accompanied by thunderstorms in some areas. The change could bring temporary relief from humid conditions across the region.
Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 25 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, which was 2.7 degrees above normal, while the maximum temperature is expected to remain around 36.8 degrees Celsius. The Central Pollution Control Board recorded an air quality index of 134 in the city on Wednesday, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category.
The forecast comes as several weather systems remain active around north and central India. A cyclonic circulation is present in the upper levels of the atmosphere over Uttarakhand and adjoining Himachal Pradesh. Another trough extends from north-western Uttar Pradesh through north-eastern Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha towards the north-western Bay of Bengal. A weak upper-air cyclonic circulation is also present over southern Haryana and neighbouring areas.
According to the forecast, Delhi-NCR is likely to experience scattered light cloud cover on October 7 and 8. The maximum temperature in Delhi on October 8 is expected to remain between 33 and 35 degrees Celsius. The more noticeable change is forecast for October 9, when partly cloudy conditions and light rain or drizzle are possible at some locations between the morning and afternoon, along with thunder and lightning.
Winds are also expected to strengthen on October 9 and 10, with daytime speeds reaching 20 to 25 kilometres per hour across Delhi-NCR. The combination of cloud cover, rain and stronger winds may ease the prevailing humid heat, although the forecast indicates that the effect is unlikely to continue for an extended period.
The weather shift is also expected to limit a sharp rise in pollution during the week, according to the report. However, the current air quality remains in the moderate category, and local conditions can vary across Delhi and neighbouring parts of the National Capital Region.
After October 9, the forecast points to lighter changes. Delhi-NCR may see scattered light clouds on October 10 and 11, with maximum temperatures in Delhi expected to remain between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius. Clearer weather is forecast for October 12 and 13, when maximum temperatures could rise again to around 33 to 35 degrees Celsius.
