New Delhi
oi-Swastika Sruti
The Residents of Delhi NCR woke up to rain, thunder and strong winds on Sunday morning, bringing relief after several days of unusually high temperatures. The sudden change in weather made the morning cooler and more comfortable for people across the National Capital Region (NCR).
Delhi NCR experienced Sunday morning rain, thunder, and strong winds, leading the IMD to issue an orange alert for Delhi and a yellow alert for Noida and Gurugram, with expected temperature drops and improved air quality.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Delhi, warning residents about moderate rainfall, lightning and strong gusty winds during the day.
Meanwhile, neighbouring cities such as Noida and Gurugram are under a yellow alert, which indicates the possibility of light rainfall and cloudy skies.
Sudden Weather Change Brings Relief
The rain early Sunday morning came as a welcome break from the intense heat that Delhi experienced in the first half of March. Dark clouds, thunder and strong winds swept across the city, lowering temperatures and making the weather pleasant.
According to the India Meteorological Department, this change is linked to weather activity over the western Himalayan region.
The department had earlier predicted thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds in parts of the western Himalayas and nearby plains on Sunday and Monday.
These weather conditions are often caused by a Western Disturbance, a weather system that brings rain and storms to northern India.
IMD Issues Weather Alerts for NCR
The IMD placed Delhi under an orange alert, which means people should stay cautious as moderate rainfall, lightning and strong winds are expected.
Weather officials also warned that surface winds of 30-40 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 50 kmph, may occur during the rain spell.
Nearby NCR cities including Noida and Gurugram have been placed under a yellow alert, which signals the possibility of light rain and cloudy conditions but with a lower level of risk.
Authorities have advised residents to remain alert, especially during thunderstorms and strong winds.
Temperatures Expected to Fall
The rainfall has already started reducing temperatures across the national capital.
According to IMD forecasts, Delhi’s maximum temperature may drop by around 3-5°C due to the cloudy weather and rainfall. The cooler conditions are expected to continue for a short period before temperatures gradually rise again later in the week.
Weather experts say that the heat earlier this month was mainly due to clear skies and strong sunlight, along with limited impact from western disturbances.
Delhi Recorded Its Hottest Day of the Year
Before the rain arrived, Delhi had been experiencing an unusually warm start to March. Earlier in the week, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 36.8°C, making it the hottest day of the year so far and much higher than the normal temperature for this time of the year.
Such early heatwaves can make daily life uncomfortable, especially for commuters and outdoor workers.
Air Quality Shows Slight Improvement
The rainfall has also brought some relief to the city’s air quality.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 153, which falls in the moderate category.
Rain and strong winds help remove dust and pollutants from the air, leading to temporary improvements in air quality.
What Residents Can Expect Next
Weather experts believe the current spell of rain and thunderstorms may continue for a short period before temperatures start rising again later in the week. While the rainfall has brought temporary relief from the heat, the early arrival of high temperatures suggests that summer may arrive sooner than usual this year.
For now, residents across Delhi and the NCR region are enjoying the cooler weather and fresh air brought by the sudden rainstorm.
