Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) experienced a sudden shift in weather on Thursday, as moderate rainfall and thunderstorms hit several areas, providing much-needed relief from the ongoing heatwave, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). In the evening, a strong dust storm swept through the city, dimming the skies and reducing visibility in Delhi and Noida, just before the expected thundershowers began.

Delhiites are finally set to receive some relief from the intense heat as the city experiences a change in weather. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted light showers on both April 10 and 11, promising a much-needed break from the soaring temperatures.

The minimum temperature in the national capital on Thursday morning was recorded at 25.9 degrees Celsius, which is a significant 5.9 degrees above the season’s average. This made it the warmest night of the season so far, breaking the previous record set just a day earlier. Parts of the city experienced what the IMD classified as both “warm” and “very warm” night conditions.

Relief likely from heatwave? 

The IMD’s forecast for the upcoming days indicates rain and thunderstorms across the city, which should help in bringing down the temperature and improve the air quality. Delhiites are hoping that the predicted rainfall will provide a much-needed respite from the heat and dust that have dominated the city’s weather in recent days.

The IMD defines a “warm night” as one where the maximum temperature remains 40°C or more, and the minimum temperature is between 4.5°C and 6.4°C above the normal. A “very warm night” is declared when the minimum temperature is over 6.4°C higher than usual.

Thursday’s recorded minimum temperature of 25.9°C surpassed the previous day’s high of 25.6°C, making it the highest April minimum temperature in Delhi in the last three years. In 2024 and 2023, the minimum temperature for the month of April had not even touched 25°C. The highest minimum temperature in April 2024 was 24°C, and in 2023 it was recorded at 23.6°C.

With the temperature rising, the maximum temperature on Thursday is expected to reach around 39°C, continuing the trend of uncomfortably high temperatures.

Additionally, Delhi’s air quality continues to remain concerning, as it is currently categorized as ‘poor’. The Air Quality Index (AQI) at 9 AM was measured at 243, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). An AQI reading between 201 and 300 is considered ‘poor,’ indicating that the air quality may pose health risks for people, especially those with respiratory conditions.