Delhi residents woke up to pleasant weather on Sunday morning as rainfall swept across several parts of the national capital, offering much-needed relief from the rising temperatures experienced over the past few days. The showers led to a noticeable dip in the daytime temperature, making the weather cooler and more comfortable for residents.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature in the city is expected to remain between 27°C and 29°C on Sunday. This marks a significant drop compared to the warmer conditions recorded earlier in the week. The rainfall and cloudy skies have contributed to the temporary cooling of the atmosphere, bringing a welcome change after the recent spell of heat.
The IMD has also predicted another round of rainfall later in the week. As per the latest forecast, Delhi may witness very light rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds on March 18. Wind speeds during this weather event could reach up to 40 kilometres per hour. Despite the expected weather activity, the weather department has not issued any colour-coded warning for the day, indicating that the conditions are unlikely to pose any serious threat or disruption.
Meteorologists have further predicted that the maximum temperature in Delhi will decline by around 3°C to 5°C over the next 24 hours due to the current weather system. However, this cooling trend may not last long. The IMD has indicated that temperatures will gradually start rising again after this brief dip.
By Monday, the maximum temperature in the city is expected to increase and hover between 31°C and 33°C. The warming trend may continue through midweek, with the mercury possibly touching 32°C to 34°C by Wednesday. This gradual rise signals a return to warmer conditions as the impact of the current rain system fades.
Meanwhile, minimum temperatures have also been slightly above the seasonal average in recent days. On Saturday, the minimum temperature in the capital was recorded at 18.1°C, which is about three degrees higher than the normal level for this time of the year. A day earlier, on Friday, the minimum temperature was even higher at 20.4°C.
Weather officials expect night temperatures to remain relatively mild on Sunday, likely staying between 17°C and 19°C. However, a slight dip in nighttime temperatures is anticipated by Monday, when the mercury could fall to around 14°C to 16°C. The change will bring cooler nights even as daytime temperatures begin to rise again.
The recent rainfall has also helped improve the overall air quality in parts of the city, as showers typically help settle dust and pollutants suspended in the atmosphere. Residents in several neighbourhoods reported a fresh and cooler environment following the early morning rain.
March is generally considered a transitional month for Delhi’s climate, as the city gradually moves from the mild conditions of late winter to the hotter temperatures of summer. Occasional rainfall and thunderstorms during this period are not unusual and are often linked to western disturbances that influence weather patterns across northern India.
While the rain has provided temporary relief from the heat, meteorologists say residents should prepare for gradually increasing temperatures in the coming days. With summer approaching, such short spells of rainfall may offer brief breaks from the heat but are unlikely to significantly alter the overall warming trend expected in the weeks ahead.
For now, the refreshing showers have given Delhiites a welcome pause from the rising temperatures, making Sunday’s weather pleasant and comfortable across the city.