Delhi Braces for Cooler Temperatures with Incoming Rain and Thunderstorms
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast indicating a significant drop in maximum temperatures for Delhi, with readings expected to fall to 27-29 degrees Celsius on Sunday. This cooling effect is attributed to a western disturbance affecting the region, which is likely to bring very light rain or drizzle accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong surface winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kmph during the morning or forenoon hours.
Detailed Temperature and Weather Predictions
According to Met officials, cloudy skies will help push temperatures below 30 degrees Celsius, providing a brief respite from the recent warmth. The IMD forecasts a fall in maximum temperatures by 3-5 degrees Celsius over the next 24 hours, followed by a gradual rise of 3-5 degrees Celsius thereafter. Specifically, the maximum temperature is projected to increase to around 31-33 degrees Celsius on Monday and may reach approximately 32-34 degrees Celsius by Wednesday.
On Saturday, the minimum temperature was recorded at 18.1 degrees Celsius, which is three degrees above the normal range, compared to 20.4 degrees Celsius the previous day. For Sunday, night temperatures are likely to remain between 17 and 19 degrees Celsius, but they may dip to around 14-16 degrees Celsius by Monday, indicating a cooler trend in the evenings.
Upcoming Weather Activity and Air Quality Status
The Met department has also predicted another spell of rain activity on March 18, with chances of very light rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds of up to 40 kmph. However, no colour-coded warning has been issued for that day, suggesting that the conditions are not expected to be severe.
Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality remained in the 'moderate' category on Saturday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 153. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi under the Union ministry of earth sciences, the AQI is likely to stay in the same range until March 17 and for the six days thereafter, indicating stable but not optimal air conditions.
Key Points to Note:
- Maximum temperature drop to 27-29°C on Sunday due to western disturbance.
- Light rain, thunderstorms, and winds up to 50 kmph expected.
- Temperature fluctuations: fall of 3-5°C followed by a rise of 3-5°C.
- Night temperatures may dip to 14-16°C by Monday.
- Another rain spell forecast for March 18 with gusty winds.
- Air quality remains moderate with AQI of 153, stable for the next week.
