Key Points
- Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit Delhi-NCR, bringing temporary relief from heat.
- IMD forecasts more rain and storms for Sunday, but temperatures may soar above 40°C after two days.
- Uttar Pradesh and Bihar experience a brief respite from heat due to scattered showers, but severe heat is expected to return soon.
- Makhana farmers in Katihar, Bihar, face crop losses due to lack of rain.
- Uttarakhand sees storms and rain; IMD issues yellow alert for lightning and heavy rainfall.
- Rain likely in parts of North India till May 14, followed by a sharp rise in temperatures.
New Delhi: A sudden change in weather brought heavy rain and thunderstorms to many parts of North India, including Delhi-NCR, on Saturday. The showers provided much-needed relief from the sweltering heat, making the weather pleasant for residents of the capital. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more rain and thunderstorms for Delhi on Sunday, but warns that this cool spell will be short-lived.
Delhi-NCR: Rain Brings Relief, But Heat to Return
On Saturday, several areas of Delhi experienced intense rainfall, breaking the spell of relentless heat. According to the IMD, thunderstorms and rain are likely to continue on Sunday, with the maximum temperature expected to hover around 39°C and the minimum at 37°C. However, residents should prepare for a quick turnaround, as temperatures are predicted to climb above 40°C after two days, bringing back the heatwave conditions.
Uttar Pradesh & Bihar: Brief Showers, But Severe Heat Ahead
The onset of May has brought intense heat to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. While scattered showers on Saturday offered temporary relief in several districts of Bihar-including Gaya, Nawada, Jamui, Aurangabad, Rohtas, and Arwal-temperatures are expected to rise sharply in the coming days. Winds accompanying the rain reached speeds of 40-50 km/h. In contrast, areas like Katihar in Bihar saw little to no rainfall, causing distress among Makhana farmers whose crops are now drying up. Last year, government irrigation initiatives had encouraged large-scale Makhana cultivation, but this season’s erratic weather has dashed farmers’ hopes.
In Uttar Pradesh, the IMD predicts that temperatures in cities like Lucknow may rise by 4-6 degrees in the next few days, with little change expected in minimum temperatures.
Uttarakhand: Storms and Yellow Alert
The hilly state of Uttarakhand also witnessed a sudden weather shift, with strong storms and rain lashing Dehradun and nearby areas on Saturday afternoon. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Sunday and Monday, warning of possible lightning, heavy rainfall, and strong winds.
Outlook for North India
According to IMD forecasts, rain may continue in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttarakhand until May 14. After this period, a rapid rise in temperatures is expected across the region, potentially ushering in another phase of severe heat.
Residents are advised to stay updated with local weather alerts and take necessary precautions as North India prepares for another round of soaring temperatures after this brief respite.
