Rain and Thunderstorms bring relief to Delhi after days of severe heatwave
Residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) woke up to rain and thunderstorms on Friday, bringing much-needed relief after several days of intense heatwave conditions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the rainfall activity was triggered by thunderstorm development over northwest India. Strong winds accompanied the weather system, with speeds reaching up to 81 kmph at Pusa Road, 56 kmph at Palam, and 35 kmph at Pragati Maidan.
Visibility at Palam airport dropped sharply from 3,500 metres to 1,500 metres within an hour due to dust and storm activity. Parts of the city also witnessed light rainfall early in the morning.
Despite the temporary relief, the IMD has warned that heatwave conditions are expected to return in Delhi over the coming days, with temperatures likely to rise again and touch the 44–45°C range.
Weather experts said the current dip in temperature is due to a change in wind direction and isolated thunderstorm activity, but it is unlikely to provide long-term relief.
The minimum temperature in Delhi settled at around 29.3°C, while the maximum had recently crossed 43°C during the peak of the heatwave.
Officials added that pre-monsoon activity is likely to increase from early June, which may bring more sustained relief from the ongoing heat stress in the region.
