New Delhi, May 1 (PTI) — As temperatures soar across the capital, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms and potential rain in the coming days. On Thursday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 38.6 degrees Celsius, slightly below the seasonal average, while the minimum temperature was noted at 26.8 degrees Celsius, which is above the average for this time of year.
The weather office reported that relative humidity was at 43 percent by late afternoon, contributing to the discomfort felt by residents. The air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 183, placing it in the 'moderate' category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). An AQI reading between 101 and 200 is considered moderate, indicating that while air quality is acceptable, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
On Friday, the maximum temperature is expected to hover between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius, with wind speeds potentially reaching 30 to 40 kilometers per hour, and gusts up to 50 kilometers per hour. The IMD anticipates very light rain or drizzle, which could offer some relief from the heat.
Despite the yellow alert and predictions of thunderstorms, the city saw a marginal rise in temperatures, with Friday’s maximum temperature recorded at 38.6 degrees Celsius, a slight increase from the previous day's 38.1 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature also rose to 26.8 degrees Celsius, compared to 25.8 degrees Celsius the day before.
Humidity levels fluctuated between 39% and 67%, and while the winds were generally low at 4 kilometers per hour, they are expected to pick up speed as the weather system develops. The IMD forecasts no major change in maximum temperatures over the next few days.
The CPCB noted that the average AQI improved slightly from 198 on Wednesday to 184 on Thursday. This improvement prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to revoke the preventive measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-I across the National Capital Region (NCR).
According to the IMD, most parts of India are likely to experience above-normal temperatures throughout May. However, occasional thunderstorms may mitigate the extreme heat conditions seen in previous years. IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra indicated that heatwave days are expected to increase by one to four days in several states, including Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Gangetic West Bengal.
Areas in Gujarat, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, parts of Telangana, and north Karnataka are also expected to see an increase in heatwave days. While the forecast suggests that most regions will experience normal to above-normal rainfall, some areas in northwest, central, and northeast India may see below-average precipitation.
In particular, north India is predicted to receive above-normal rainfall, exceeding 109 percent of the long-period average of 64.1 mm. This rainfall is expected to provide some relief from the heat, with thunderstorms and rain forecasted for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, which may lead to a slight dip in temperatures.
Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh, light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and even snowfall in higher altitudes are anticipated over the next week. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for lower and mid-hill districts, warning of potential thunderstorms and gusty winds.
Shobhit Katiyar, a Senior Scientist at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, reported that light rainfall was recorded in Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts over the past 24 hours, with more expected to follow. He noted that despite this weather system, temperatures in some regions remain 2 to 3 degrees Celsius above normal.
In Karnataka, the IMD has forecast moderate rainfall and thunderstorms during the peak summer months, attributing this to a cyclonic circulation forming in the Bay of Bengal. Rain is expected to impact multiple districts in Karnataka, including Bengaluru Rural, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Ramanagara, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Hassan, Tumkur, Davangere, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Bellary, Chitradurga, and Mandya, with thunderstorms predicted to continue until May 6.
As the weather continues to fluctuate, residents are advised to remain cautious, especially those with respiratory conditions, as the air quality can change rapidly. The IMD and local authorities are keeping a close watch on the evolving weather conditions, providing updates as necessary to ensure public safety and awareness.
