Delhi residents can expect a brief relief from the ongoing heatwave, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The regional center has forecasted a partly cloudy sky with the possibility of dust storms, thunderstorms, and a light spell of rainfall for Friday. This anticipated weather change is expected to provide much-needed respite from the oppressive heat.
Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds
The Regional Weather Forecasting Centre (RWFC) of Delhi has indicated a chance of thunderstorms or dust storms accompanied by very light rain or drizzle. Additionally, gusty winds are expected to blow at speeds ranging between 25 to 35 kilometers per hour. Despite these potential weather changes, the maximum temperature is still predicted to reach 44 degrees Celsius, with the minimum hovering around 29 degrees Celsius.
Cloudy Weather Expected to Persist
The meteorological office downgraded its heatwave warning from a ‘red alert‘ on Wednesday to an ‘orange alert’ on Thursday. Temperatures are expected to drop by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius. The forecast suggests that cloudy weather will persist until June 1. Light rain or drizzle is not anticipated until June 4. “On May 31st and June 1st, due to western disturbances, there is a possibility of thunderstorms and lightning in Delhi-NCR and the entire Northwest region,” stated Kuldeep Srivastava, head of the Regional Weather Forecasting Centre at IMD. He further added, “By June 1st, there will be a 3-4 degrees reduction in temperature.”
Air Quality Remains Poor
Despite the expected weather changes, the air quality in Delhi continues to be a concern. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 227 at 4 pm on Thursday, placing it in the ‘poor’ category. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 and 500 ‘severe’.
Record-Breaking Temperatures
The relentless summer heat has been particularly severe this year. On Wednesday, temperatures soared to an unprecedented 52.3 degrees Celsius at 3:15 pm in Northwest Delhi’s Mungeshpur, marking the highest temperature ever recorded in India. However, this record-breaking temperature has been met with some skepticism. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed doubts about the weather department’s statement, calling the figure “very unlikely.”
As Delhi braces for potential thunderstorms and a slight drop in temperatures, residents hope for a respite from the intense heat and poor air quality that has gripped the city.
