New Delhi: Widespread rain and thunderstorms across northern and central India brought significant relief from intense heat, with Delhi recording its coolest start to June in three years.
The Safdarjung Observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 36.3°C and a minimum of 24.9°C on June 1, both below seasonal norms. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 105, placing it in the “moderate” category.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across the region this week. However, temperatures are expected to rise gradually as the current spell of rain weakens.
In Madhya Pradesh, heavy rainfall and wind gusts reaching 94 kmph disrupted normal life, uprooting trees, damaging structures and affecting power supply in several districts. The weather system, driven by a cyclonic circulation over central Pakistan, brought an end to the recent heatwave that had pushed temperatures to 46°C in places such as Khajuraho.
Kerala remains on alert, with the IMD issuing a yellow warning for nine districts, including Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam and Wayanad, due to the possibility of heavy rainfall, thundersqualls and localized heatwave conditions.
Rajasthan also witnessed rain, strong winds and isolated hailstorms, causing temperatures in many areas to drop by up to 5°C below normal.
The IMD attributed the weather change to active western disturbances and said the southwest monsoon is likely to reach Kerala within the next two to three days.
