The scorching heatwave that had Delhiites sweating for days finally eased on Thursday evening with a sudden downpour and strong winds sweeping across the city. The relief came just in time as the sweltering temperatures had been making life unbearable for many residents. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the mercury dropped significantly in various areas of Delhi, providing some much-needed respite from the oppressive heat.
Winds gusting up to 50 kmph helped lower the temperature by 6-10 degrees in most parts of the city, offering a brief but welcome break from the relentless heat. The IMD also predicted the possibility of light rain or drizzle continuing into Friday and Saturday, with heatwave conditions not expected to return until at least April 16.
Delhi’s Battle with the Heatwave
For four consecutive days, parts of Delhi had been reeling under the grip of a heatwave, with temperatures soaring well above normal. While the maximum temperature at the base station Safdarjung reached 39.6 degrees Celsius, Ayanagar and Ridge experienced even hotter conditions, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. The heat index for the city climbed to a scorching 40-50 degrees Celsius, making it challenging for residents to find relief.
Adding to the discomfort, the city also faced its second consecutive warm night, with the minimum temperature at Safdarjung standing at 25.9 degrees Celsius, a significant six degrees above normal. This warm night phenomenon, marked by above-average daytime and nighttime temperatures, had most stations in Delhi experiencing similar conditions, leading to widespread discomfort.
Relief in Sight
However, the weather took a turn for the better as a western disturbance brought much-needed rain to parts of Delhi on Thursday evening. The sudden downpour, combined with strong winds, led to a sharp drop in temperatures across the city. Krishna Kumar Mishra, a scientist at IMD, noted that areas like Lodhi Road and Mayur Vihar saw a significant temperature decrease following the thunderstorm, providing a reprieve from the stifling heat.
While Safdarjung did not receive any rain during the evening shower, Mayur Vihar recorded 5mm of rainfall, with Pitampura receiving 1mm. The IMD forecasted a further decrease in maximum temperatures over the next few days, followed by a gradual rise as the city transitions back to warmer weather. Despite the improvement in weather conditions, Delhi’s air quality remained in the poor category, with hopes of a shift to moderate levels over the weekend following the rain.
As Delhiites breathe a sigh of relief after battling the intense heatwave, the city looks forward to more comfortable temperatures in the days ahead. The unpredictable nature of the weather serves as a reminder of the importance of staying prepared for sudden changes, especially during the scorching summer months. So, while the rain may have brought temporary relief, it’s essential to remain vigilant and adaptable as Mother Nature continues to surprise us with her unpredictable ways.
