Delhi Experiences Significant Relief from Heat with Rain and Cool Winds

Weather Update: Relief from Heat in Delhi

Residents of Delhi and its surrounding areas have found respite from the intense heat. On Saturday, the temperature in the capital saw a notable drop, leading to more pleasant weather conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'yellow alert' for light rain and strong winds in the city. The Safdarjung Observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 24.6 degrees Celsius, which is two degrees below normal and 0.7 degrees lower than the previous day.

On Friday, the minimum temperature was noted at 25.3 degrees Celsius, while it was 28.4 degrees Celsius on Thursday.

This decrease in temperature follows light to moderate rainfall in various parts of the city over the past two days. Similar reductions in minimum temperatures were observed at other weather stations on Saturday. At the Palam Observatory, the minimum temperature was recorded at 21.5 degrees Celsius, down by 2.6 degrees from the previous day. Lodi Road reported a minimum of 23.2 degrees Celsius, which is 2.4 degrees lower than Friday. Meanwhile, temperatures at Ridge and Ayanagar were recorded at 22.3 degrees and 22.6 degrees Celsius, respectively, marking decreases of 1.7 degrees and 2.8 degrees.

According to the IMD, Ayanagar received 11.2 millimeters of rainfall between 11:30 PM on Friday and 2:30 AM on Saturday. No further rainfall was reported at other weather stations. An IMD official stated, 'A yellow alert has been issued for today, with expectations of light rain, thunder, and winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour during the afternoon and evening.'

Forecast and Air Quality

The IMD has also issued a yellow alert for Sunday, predicting similar weather conditions. The forecast suggests that the maximum temperature may further decrease, likely ranging between 34 to 36 degrees Celsius.

In terms of air quality, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an improvement. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 82 at 9 AM on Saturday, falling within the 'satisfactory' category. In comparison, the average AQI for Friday afternoon was 123, which is categorized as 'moderate.'

According to CPCB standards, an AQI of 0 to 50 is considered 'good,' 51 to 100 'satisfactory,' 101 to 200 'moderate,' 201 to 300 'poor,' 301 to 400 'very poor,' and 401 to 500 'severe.' The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) for Delhi predicts that the AQI will likely remain in the 'moderate' category over the next few days.