Delhi Weather Update: IMD Predicts Rain and Thunderstorms as Temperature Plunges
Delhi residents experienced an unusually chilly day on Thursday, with the maximum temperature dropping to just 17.9 degrees Celsius, approximately 4 degrees below the seasonal average for this time of year, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The national capital's weather has taken a significant turn, bringing relief from typical winter conditions but introducing new challenges.
Temperature Variations Across Delhi-NCR
Station-wise data revealed that daytime temperatures across Delhi-NCR remained substantially below normal levels. Among all monitoring locations, Palam recorded the most significant departure from seasonal norms, establishing itself as the coldest spot in the region.
Detailed temperature readings from key stations:
- Safdarjung: Maximum temperature settled at 17.9 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature reached 11 degrees Celsius, which is 2.6 degrees above normal but 1.6 degrees lower than the previous day's reading of 12.6 degrees Celsius.
- Palam: Recorded a maximum temperature of 15.3 degrees Celsius, marking a substantial 6.8 degrees below normal. The minimum temperature was noted at 9.4 degrees Celsius, 1.0 degree above normal.
- Lodhi Road: Maximum temperature stood at 17.8 degrees Celsius, 3.2 degrees below normal, with the minimum temperature settling at 10.4 degrees Celsius, 2.4 degrees above normal.
IMD Forecast: Rain and Thunderstorms Ahead
The India Meteorological Department has predicted that Delhi and surrounding regions will experience rain and thunderstorms between January 31 and February 2. This forecast comes as the city has already witnessed an unusually active winter month, with two western disturbances bringing rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds, and hailstorms across northwest India, including Delhi, between January 22–24 and January 26–28.
The month may conclude with a light spell of rain accompanied by thunderstorms on January 31, as minimum temperatures could drop further to around 7 degrees Celsius, while maximum temperatures are expected to hover near 20 degrees Celsius.
Weather Conditions and Air Quality Impact
Residents may encounter moderate fog at many locations and dense fog at isolated spots on Saturday morning. Skies are likely to become generally cloudy during afternoon and evening hours, according to weather department forecasts.
The IMD has indicated the possibility of very light rain accompanied by thunderstorm activity, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph during nighttime hours. This weather pattern has contributed to deteriorating air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) currently standing at 226, placing it in the 'poor' category.
Record Rainfall for January
This month, Delhi has recorded its highest January rainfall in four years, following heavy rain and thunderstorms that affected parts of the national capital on Tuesday. The precipitation led to a sharp deterioration in air quality, which slipped into the 'very poor' category temporarily.
Including the latest rainfall spell, Delhi's monthly total precipitation for January has risen to 24 mm, making it the highest January total since 2022. The wettest January day in recent years remains January 8, 2022, when the city recorded 40.6 mm of rainfall.
Upcoming Weather Patterns
According to IMD forecasts, the national capital may experience generally cloudy skies on Friday as well, with shallow to moderate fog during morning hours. Minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to range around 10 degrees Celsius and 19 degrees Celsius, respectively.
The weather department continues to monitor conditions closely as Delhi navigates this unusual winter weather pattern, combining below-normal temperatures with increased precipitation activity that has broken recent rainfall records for the month of January.
