Key Points
- IMD forecasts rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds for Delhi, bringing temporary relief from intense heat.
- Yellow alert issued for rain and thunderstorms in Delhi on April 29, May 2, and May 3.
- Maximum temperature in Delhi reached 40.4°C on Monday, with a drop to 38–39°C expected after showers.
- Heatwave continues in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Chandigarh; yellow alert in place for Punjab for the next five days.
- Heavy rainfall and hailstorm warnings issued for several states in the Northeast, East, and Central India.
- Lightning strikes and severe weather have caused multiple fatalities in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
New Delhi: After days of relentless heat, Delhi is poised for a dramatic weather shift this week. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for rain and thunderstorms in the national capital, predicting much-needed relief from the scorching temperatures that have gripped the city since mid-April.
What to Expect in Delhi This Week
- Rain and Thunderstorm Forecast: IMD predicts light rain and thunderstorms on April 29, May 2, and May 3. Strong winds with speeds up to 50 km/h are also expected, which will help ease the oppressive heat.
- Temperature Drop: The maximum temperature, which soared to 40.4°C on Monday, is expected to dip to around 38–39°C after the showers. Minimum temperatures will hover near 25–27°C.
- Humidity and Air Quality: Humidity levels are forecast to reach up to 44%. Delhi’s air quality remains in the ‘poor’ category, with an AQI of 266, but rain may bring temporary improvement.
- No Heatwave Warning for Delhi: While Delhi will get some respite, the IMD has not issued a heatwave alert for the city for the next few days.
North India Remains Under Heatwave Grip
Despite the incoming relief for Delhi, the heatwave continues to affect large parts of North India. Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Chandigarh are under a heatwave warning, with temperatures consistently above seasonal averages. Rajasthan, in particular, has seen temperatures cross 44°C in several cities, and Barmer recorded the highest temperature in the region.
Severe Weather Across India
- Heavy Rainfall in the Northeast: IMD has issued heavy rainfall alerts for eight northeastern states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Sikkim. Thunderstorms and hailstorms are also forecast for parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh.
- Storm Damage in Rajasthan: Western disturbances triggered storms in Rajasthan, causing wind speeds up to 50 km/h, uprooting trees, damaging structures, and even toppling a mobile tower in Bundi. Hailstorms and rain were reported in Jalore and Sawai Madhopur.
- Lightning Fatalities: Severe weather, including thunderstorms and lightning, has led to multiple fatalities. At least four people died in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar on Monday due to lightning strikes, adding to the toll from earlier this month when over 100 deaths were reported in East and Central India.
Outlook for the Coming Days
- Delhi: Expect partly cloudy skies, periodic rain, and thunderstorms through the week, with a brief dip in temperature and humidity. No heatwave is forecast for the immediate future, but conditions may change as the western disturbance passes.
- Northwest and Central India: Heatwave conditions will persist in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh for the next several days.
- Northeast and East India: Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and hailstorms are likely to continue, with the potential for localized flooding and further lightning incidents.
Residents are advised to stay updated with IMD advisories, take precautions during storms, and remain hydrated as temperatures fluctuate and severe weather continues across the country.
