New Delhi: After enduring an 11-day heatwave, Delhi finally experienced relief on Thursday with a cool breeze and light drizzle, signaling a temporary respite from scorching temperatures and warm nights. The minimum temperature dropped to 29.6 degrees Celsius, a welcome change from the previous day’s 35.2 degrees. Similarly, the maximum temperature across the city also decreased, with Safdarjung recording 40 degrees Celsius compared to 43.6 degrees on Wednesday.
The shift in weather was attributed to strong winds blowing from the north and east, effectively cooling down the city from Wednesday night onwards. Winds reached speeds of up to 48 kmph in Safdarjung and up to 74 kmph in Palam around 11:10 pm on Wednesday. On Thursday, gusts continued, reaching up to 52 kmph intermittently, coupled with trace-level drizzle that contributed to the cooling effect. Palam airport notably experienced a seven-degree drop in temperature between 10:30 pm and 11:30 pm on Wednesday.
Meteorological experts explained that these changes were influenced by a western disturbance and the convergence of easterly and northerly winds. As a result, Delhi saw cool winds, thunderstorms, and sporadic rain in some areas on Thursday, with a forecast hinting at the possibility of very light rain and thundershowers continuing into Friday.
However, the respite may be short-lived. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi is expected to witness maximum temperatures hovering around 40 degrees Celsius on Friday, accompanied by partly cloudy skies, dust storms or thunderstorms, and gusty winds ranging from 40 to 50 kmph. By Saturday, temperatures are set to rise again, reaching 43 degrees Celsius by Sunday, potentially marking the onset of another heatwave.
Localized temperature data from Jafarpur, Pitampura, and Palam reflected significant decreases in maximum temperatures by nearly five degrees compared to the previous day. Jafarpur recorded 40 degrees Celsius (down from 44.7), Pitampura at 39.7 degrees Celsius (down from 45.1), and Palam at 39.6 degrees Celsius (down from 44.7).
The improvement in Delhi’s air quality also accompanied the change in weather conditions, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 176 on Thursday, indicating a reduction in pollutants compared to previous days.
As Delhiites enjoy a brief reprieve from the heatwave, preparations are underway for potentially worsening conditions ahead. The IMD’s forecast underscores the unpredictable nature of the weather during the transition from pre-monsoon to summer patterns, urging residents to stay updated with official advisories and prepare for fluctuating temperatures in the coming days.
