New Delhi: A severe heatwave in Delhi-NCR eased as heavy rain, thunderstorms, dust storms and strong winds lashed several parts of the region on Saturday evening, providing temporary relief from high temperatures.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued red and orange alerts predicting thunderstorms, lightning, hail and rainfall, which were followed by intense weather activity across the capital.
Earlier on Thursday, IMD had also issued an orange alert forecasting strong winds and moderate to heavy rain, along with a yellow alert for Sunday indicating continued unsettled conditions.
The weather shift was triggered by an active western disturbance over northwest India, along with an associated cyclonic circulation that increased moisture and atmospheric instability over the region.
IMD warned that parts of central, northeast, southwest, west, northwest and north Delhi may experience dust storms followed by severe thunderstorms, lightning, hail and light to moderate rainfall, with wind speeds of 70–90 kmph and gusts up to 100 kmph.
Other areas, including southeast, east, south Delhi, Shahdara and New Delhi districts, are likely to receive light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and winds of 40–60 kmph, gusting up to 80 kmph, while south Delhi may see light rainfall.
Authorities advised residents to remain indoors, avoid shelter under trees, stay away from weak structures and disconnect electrical appliances during storms.
The change follows several days of hot weather, with the minimum temperature recorded at 24.6°C, about two degrees below normal, and the maximum hovering around 36°C.
