Parts of Delhi-NCR received a fresh spell of rain on Tuesday evening, accompanied by thunderstorms and heavy hailstorms, bringing down temperatures and extended relief from the ongoing heatwave. Videos and images of the sudden weather change were widely shared online.
Watch the videos here
IMD issues orange alert
The skies had remained overcast through the day, with intermittent cloud cover since morning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several areas, warning of moderate thunderstorms, rainfall, gusty winds, and the possibility of hailstorms.
The alert remains in place for New Delhi, Central Delhi, West Delhi, North West Delhi, Outer North Delhi, North East Delhi, Shahdara and East Delhi, along with parts of South and South West Delhi, for the next few hours as rain, hail and thunderstorms are forecast during the day.
The changing weather pattern led to a noticeable dip in temperatures across several areas, extending a brief break from typical early-May heat conditions.
Safdarjung, the city's base station, recorded a minimum temperature of 19.6 degrees Celsius, showing a departure of -5.1 degrees and a 24-hour rise of 0.8 degrees.
Similar conditions are likely to persist
The IMD has forecast a maximum temperature of 33 degrees Celsius. Mahesh Palawat of Skymet Weather said, "The maximum temperature will be significantly below normal as there has been rain across north India. Similar conditions are likely to persist for the next one to two days, with temperatures remaining below normal."
The AQI stood at 69 in the morning hours, indicating a significant improvement in air quality levels in the national capital.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI of 0–50 is considered 'good', 51–100 'satisfactory', 101–200 'moderate', 201–300 'poor', 301–400 'very poor', and 401–500 'severe'.
Also Read: Delhi-NCR to see rain, gusty winds today; here's what IMD says
Also Read: Delhi rains, gusty winds bring much-needed break from heat; IMD issues alerts for thunderstorms
