New Delhi: Residents of Delhi found themselves reaching for warm clothes again as an unusual spell of rain and gusty winds brought back a winter-like chill just as the city was transitioning into summer.
The sudden weather shift, triggered by a Western Disturbance described as “rare” by experts, lashed several parts of Delhi and adjoining regions including Ghaziabad and Noida in Uttar Pradesh, as well as Faridabad and Gurugram in Haryana.
Rainfall Across City, Cloudy Skies Persist
According to the India Meteorological Department, various parts of the city recorded light to moderate rainfall:
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Safdarjung & Lodhi Road: 8.2 mm each
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Ridge: 8.6 mm
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Palam: 6.2 mm
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Ayanagar: 7.2 mm
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Pitampura: 5.5 mm
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Mayur Vihar: 3 mm
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Janakpuri: 12.5 mm (highest)
The city woke up to cloudy skies on Thursday morning, with more light rain expected through the day.
Temperature Drops, Winter-Like Chill Returns
The minimum temperature was recorded at 17.6°C, slightly above normal, while the maximum is expected to hover around 29°C. However, due to rain and winds, the feels-like temperature dropped significantly, prompting many residents to layer up again.
Yellow Alert Issued
The IMD has placed Delhi under a yellow alert, forecasting:
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Very light to light rainfall
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Thunderstorms with lightning
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Gusty winds of 30–40 km/h
Air Quality Remains Moderate
Despite the rainfall, air quality showed only moderate improvement. As per data from the Central Pollution Control Board, the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 153, falling in the ‘moderate’ category.
Regional Impact
The weather system impacted the entire Delhi-NCR region, bringing similar conditions across neighbouring cities. Experts say such widespread rainfall and sudden cooling in mid-March is uncommon and linked to the unusual structure of the current western disturbance.
Advisory for Residents
With fluctuating weather conditions, residents are advised to:
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Keep light winter clothing handy
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Stay cautious during thunderstorms
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Plan travel considering possible disruptions
The sudden return of chilly conditions serves as a reminder that seasonal transitions in North India can still bring unexpected weather surprises.
