New Delhi, June 10: Late-night showers across parts of Delhi brought much-needed relief from the intense heat, with the city’s minimum temperature dropping sharply on Wednesday morning following rainfall and strong winds triggered by a western disturbance.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi’s base weather station at Safdarjung recorded a minimum temperature of 22.9 degrees Celsius, marking a steep decline of 6.3 degrees Celsius compared to the previous day. The temperature was nearly five degrees below normal for this time of the year.
The Lodi Road weather station recorded a similar minimum temperature of 22.8 degrees Celsius, reflecting the impact of overnight rain and cooler winds across the capital.
The rainfall was attributed to an active western disturbance affecting northwest India. Safdarjung recorded 9.6 mm of rainfall, while the Lodi Road area received 7.4 mm late on Tuesday night, providing temporary relief from the oppressive weather conditions experienced over the past several days.
Strong westerly winds also swept across the city during the day, with sustained wind speeds ranging between 20 and 25 kmph. IMD officials reported that some areas witnessed significantly stronger gusts, with wind speeds touching 120 kmph near the Palam airport region.
Despite the overnight rain and gusty conditions, daytime temperatures remained high across Delhi.
Both Safdarjung and Lodi Road recorded maximum temperatures of 42.4 degrees Celsius, while other weather stations reported even higher readings. Palam and Ayanagar touched 43.6 degrees Celsius each, and Ridge recorded 43 degrees Celsius, continuing the heat stress for residents during the afternoon hours.
However, meteorologists have indicated that more substantial relief is on the horizon.
The IMD has forecast that while hot weather conditions are likely to continue for another day, a significant fall in daytime temperatures is expected from Friday onward. Maximum temperatures are likely to decline by 6 to 7 degrees Celsius, settling between 34 degrees Celsius and 36 degrees Celsius through the weekend.
If the forecast materialises, Delhi’s daytime temperatures will drop below the 40-degree Celsius mark, offering considerable respite from the ongoing heat.
The weather department has also issued Yellow and Orange Alerts for the next two days, warning of light rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning activity, dust storms and strong surface winds across parts of the national capital.
On Friday evening and night, wind speeds of 40–50 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 60 kmph, are likely in several areas.
Officials have advised residents to remain cautious during thunderstorm activity, avoid taking shelter under weak structures or trees during strong winds, and follow weather advisories issued by local authorities.
The combination of rainfall, thunderstorms and cooler temperatures is expected to bring significant relief to Delhiites after several days of intense summer heat.
