Weather – Delhi Sees Major Temperature Drop After Rain and Thunderstorm Activity
Weather – Residents across Delhi received welcome relief from intense summer conditions on Thursday evening as dark clouds gathered over the city, bringing strong winds, lightning, thunder, and scattered rainfall. The sudden shift in weather ended several days of extreme heat and led to a noticeable fall in temperatures across multiple parts of the national capital.
Significant Cooling Recorded Across Delhi
The change in weather conditions resulted in a substantial decline in temperatures within a short period. According to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), several monitoring stations across Delhi reported temperature drops ranging from 3 degrees Celsius to as much as 11 degrees Celsius following thunderstorm activity.
At Safdarjung, which serves as Delhi’s primary weather observation centre, the maximum temperature was recorded at 41.1 degrees Celsius. This was 0.7 degrees below the seasonal average and 3.2 degrees lower than the previous day’s reading. The minimum temperature stood at 28.4 degrees Celsius, remaining slightly above normal levels.
Rainfall Reported in Multiple Areas
Light to moderate rainfall was recorded in different parts of the city by Thursday evening. Mehrauli received 6.5 mm of rain, while Pragati Maidan registered 0.9 mm. Ayanagar recorded 0.5 mm of precipitation.
The cooling effect of the thunderstorms was especially noticeable in some localities. Ayanagar experienced the sharpest fall in temperature, with readings dropping by around 11 degrees Celsius. Mehrauli recorded a decrease of nearly 10 degrees Celsius, while Narayana witnessed a reduction of approximately 6 degrees Celsius.
Red Alert Issued Amid Severe Weather Conditions
As storm activity intensified, the weather department issued a red alert for Delhi and nearby regions. The advisory warned of moderate to severe thunderstorms, lightning strikes, dust storms, and the possibility of isolated hail events. Wind speeds during the storm system were expected to reach up to 80 kilometres per hour in some locations.
Officials urged residents to remain cautious during periods of severe weather, particularly when strong winds and lightning activity are present.
Forecast Indicates Continued Rain and Thunderstorms
The IMD has forecast that unsettled weather conditions are likely to persist over the coming days. An orange alert has been issued for Friday, with predictions of additional thunderstorms and rainfall across the city.
Meteorologists expect the minimum temperature to remain close to 24 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature could decline further and stay near 36 degrees Celsius. The department has also indicated that the current spell of rain and thunderstorm activity may continue until May 31.
Experts Explain Developing Weather System
Mahesh Palawat, Vice-President for Meteorology and Climate Change at Skymet Weather, said thunderstorm development had already started over northern Rajasthan before moving towards Delhi. According to him, the weather system was expected to strengthen further and continue affecting the region through the night and into Friday.
He noted that storm intensity could increase before gradually shifting towards Gujarat between May 30 and May 31. Palawat also stated that the ongoing pre-monsoon weather event is likely to be stronger than similar rain spells experienced in Delhi during April and earlier in May. As a result, more widespread rainfall activity is expected across the city.
Rainfall Totals Expected to Rise
Before the latest weather system arrived, Delhi had recorded a cumulative rainfall of 13.61 mm over five days during May, according to IMD figures. With fresh showers forecast over the next several days, rainfall totals for the month are expected to increase further.
Weather officials continue to monitor the evolving conditions and advise residents to stay updated with forecasts as thunderstorm activity remains active across the region.