After several days of hot and humid weather, Delhi-NCR witnessed a sudden change in weather on Sunday evening. Strong winds, cloudy skies and a drop in temperature brought relief to residents struggling with uncomfortable conditions. The change in weather was accompanied by dust-laden winds in several areas as dark clouds covered the capital.
IMD issues Orange alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a district-wise nowcast warning at 4:10 pm, valid until 7:10 pm, for several parts of Delhi. The weather department warned of moderate thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 41 to 61 kmph. An Orange Alert means weather conditions could disrupt normal life and people should stay alert and take necessary precautions.
Strong winds may lead to fallen trees, damage to weak structures, traffic delays and waterlogging in some areas.
More rain likely in coming days
The IMD has predicted isolated to scattered rainfall over Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh and Punjab until July 2, with rainfall activity expected to become more widespread on July 3. Thunderstorms with lightning and winds of 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, are also likely in Delhi and nearby areas between July 1 and July 3.
On Thursday, Delhi recorded a cloudy day with light rain in isolated parts as the maximum temperature settled at 38.8 degrees Celsius, 1.6 notches above normal, while the "feels-like" temperature touched 44.1 degrees Celsius. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Thursday night, forecasting thunderstorms accompanied by rain at isolated places.
Palam recorded a maximum temperature of 39.5 degrees Celsius, 1.9 notches above normal, while Lodi Road logged 38.6 degrees Celsius, 1.6 notches above normal. The Ridge station recorded 40.1 degrees Celsius, 1.4 notches above normal, while Ayanagar registered 37.3 degrees Celsius, 1.9 notches below normal.
Delhi's AQI
Delhi's air quality was recorded in the "moderate" category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 130 at 4 pm, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). According to the CPCB, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "severe".
