Residents across Delhi-NCR woke up to cloudy skies, rain and thunderstorms on Sunday, bringing much-needed relief from the unusually high temperatures recorded earlier this month. The sudden weather shifts lowered temperatures and creates pleasant conditions after several days of intense heat in the region.
Several areas of the national capital experienced light showers accompanied by lightning and gusty winds during the early hours. The rainfall marked a significant change from the hot and dry conditions that had dominated the weather in early March.
Meteorologists say the rainfall has helped bring down the temperature slightly, making the weather more comfortable for residents.
IMD issues alert as rain and strong winds continue
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a yellow alert for the national capital, predicting thunderstorms, lightning and strong surface winds during the day. Wind speeds of around 30–40 kmph, with gusts reaching 50 kmph, were expected in parts of the region.
In some areas, heavier rain accompanied by thunder and lightning was also reported, prompting authorities to advise people to remain cautious during sudden weather disturbances.
The IMD indicated that the rainfall may continue intermittently through the day, with cloudy skies likely to persist over the coming days.
Western disturbance behind the sudden rainfall
Weather experts attribute the sudden shift in weather to a western disturbance approaching the western Himalayan region. This system has created cyclonic circulation over parts of Pakistan and adjoining areas of Punjab and Haryana, leading to rainfall and thunderstorms across north India.
Due to this weather system, several northern states—including Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh—may also experience similar weather conditions over the next couple of days.
Experts say the rainfall could be one of the season’s early pre-monsoon showers, arriving nearly 10 days earlier than usual.
Temperatures likely to fall further
Before the rain arrived, Delhi had recorded one of its hottest days of the year earlier in March, with temperatures rising well above normal levels. The rainfall has helped bring down the mercury and improve overall weather conditions.
According to forecasts, the maximum temperature in the national capital may drop to around 27°C–29°C, offering temporary relief from the early heatwave.
Meteorologists also predict that temperatures may decline by 3–5 degrees Celsius over the next few days as the impact of the western disturbance continues across the region.
Pleasant weather expected this week
The IMD has predicted relatively pleasant weather conditions for the coming days in Delhi and neighbouring areas. Cloudy skies, light rain and occasional thunderstorms may occur again later this week.
However, officials say the relief may be temporary as temperatures are expected to gradually rise again after the current weather system weakens.
For now, the rainfall has provided residents of Delhi-NCR a welcome break from the early arrival of summer heat, making the weekend weather significantly more comfortable across the region.