Delhi weather turned cooler on Saturday after light to moderate rain swept several parts of the capital three days after the southwest monsoon had withdrawn from the city. The maximum temperature at Safdarjung fell to 29.2°C, five degrees below normal, while the India Meteorological Department forecast cloudy skies for Sunday and Monday.
The change followed a day of overcast conditions and rain during the afternoon and evening. Winds reached speeds of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour in parts of the city, adding to the drop in temperature. The minimum temperature at the capital’s main weather station was 23.2°C, while the Ridge recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 18.8°C.
The IMD had issued a yellow alert for Saturday. According to the weather department, rain and strong winds were linked to a low-pressure area over north-eastern Madhya Pradesh and adjoining Chhattisgarh. The system was moving north-westwards towards Uttar Pradesh, while an active western disturbance also contributed to cloud cover and the possibility of rain over Delhi.
The cooler conditions marked a sharp change from Friday, when Safdarjung recorded a maximum temperature of 33°C. The weather department said skies would remain cloudy on Sunday and Monday, but it did not forecast rain for those two days. Clear skies are expected from Tuesday, with a gradual and slight increase in temperature.
The timing of the rainfall is notable because the southwest monsoon had officially withdrawn from Delhi on 23 September, three days later than the usual withdrawal date of 25 September. Saturday’s rain therefore came after the seasonal system had moved away, under the influence of the low-pressure area and western disturbance identified by the IMD.
Delhi had already recorded above-normal rainfall during the monsoon season. From 1 June, Safdarjung received 728.6 millimetres of rain against a normal seasonal total of 629.7 millimetres. The total was approximately 16 per cent higher than normal, according to the weather report.
For residents, the immediate change was a combination of rain, cooler air and strong winds after a warmer Friday. The forecast for the next two days points to continued cloud cover without expected rainfall, followed by clearer conditions from Tuesday. The IMD’s next updates will determine whether the current weather system produces any further significant rain or wind over the capital.
