New Delhi: After enduring 12 consecutive days of a punishing heatwave, Delhi residents experienced a welcome respite on Thursday as temperatures dipped, thanks to a change in weather conditions. The maximum temperature at Safdarjung, which serves as the city’s primary weather station, was recorded at 41.2 degrees Celsius, slightly above normal but notably 3.8 degrees lower than the previous day.
Gusty winds swept through the city on Thursday night, with wind speeds reaching up to 74 km/h at Safdarjung and 50 km/h at Palam. This meteorological shift followed sporadic rain and dust storms on Wednesday night, which contributed to the cooling effect. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the temperature drop to partly cloudy skies and a shift in wind direction to easterly.
According to IMD data, Najafgarh was the hottest area on Thursday, with a maximum temperature of 44.6 degrees Celsius, four degrees above the normal range. Other notable temperatures included Palam (42.3), Lodhi Road (41.2), Ridge (40.6), Ayanagar (43.2), Narela (42.8), Pitampura (41.5), and Raj Ghat (39.6). The minimum temperature recorded was 24.6 degrees Celsius, three degrees below normal. The heat index, or “feels-like” temperature, stood at 41.9 degrees Celsius, while relative humidity fluctuated between 22% and 72%.
Safdarjung registered 1.2 mm of rainfall by 8:30 am on Thursday, whereas Raj Ghat saw a more substantial 9 mm. The IMD has forecasted the likelihood of very light rain and dust storms or thunderstorms in certain areas on Friday and Saturday, with strong winds expected on both days. Despite these conditions, the maximum temperature is predicted to hover around 43 degrees Celsius from Friday to Sunday, potentially rising to 44 degrees on Monday and reaching up to 45 degrees on June 11 and 12.
The recent rainfall has also contributed to an improvement in Delhi’s air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) improved significantly, moving from 248 in the ‘poor’ category on Wednesday to 181 in the ‘moderate’ category on Thursday. The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi has predicted that the AQI will remain in the ‘moderate’ category on Friday and Saturday, but may deteriorate back to the ‘poor’ category by Sunday.
The relief from the heatwave is a crucial development for Delhi, which has been grappling with extraordinary heat conditions. The forecasted rain and cooler winds offer a temporary respite, although the capital must brace for the return of high temperatures in the coming days. The combined efforts of meteorological changes and ongoing monitoring will be pivotal in managing both the heat and air quality in the immediate future.
