New Delhi: 

Meanwhile, much more interestingly, May, traditionally Delhi’s hottest month, has so far defied expectations. Data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reveals that the average maximum temperature between May 1st and May 15th stood at 36.7 degrees Celsius, nearly 3 degrees Celsius below the seasonal norm of 39.4 degrees Celsius. In a rare reversal, April was actually hotter, recording an average high of 39 degrees Celsius, which is significantly above its usual 36.5 degrees Celsius.

In a surprising twist to Delhi’s summer narrative, the national capital was lashed by thunderstorms and rain on Friday, just a day after a powerful dust storm swept through the city.  The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Saturday, forecasting more thunderstorms and showers. Temperatures are expected to hover around 42 degrees Celsius by the day and 28 degrees Celsius at night. Between May 18 and 21, strong daytime winds and persistent cloud cover are predicted, with a fresh spell of rain likely to return by May 22. Daytime temperatures during this period are projected to range from 38 degrees Celsius to 41 degrees Celsius.

Air Quality remains ‘poor’ in Delhi

However, as weather fluctuates, Delhi’s air quality remains a pressing concern. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported the city’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) at 278 on Friday, squarely in the “poor” category. According to CPCB guidelines, AQI values between 201 and 300 may cause respiratory discomfort, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions.

Rain disrupts parts of Delhi-NCR on Friday

Rainfall figures varied across the city, with the Safdarjung observatory recording 1.4 mm between 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM Aya Nagar saw the heaviest downpour at 7.2 mm, followed by 3 mm at the Ridge, 2.5 mm in Pusa, and 2 mm in Pitampura.

Friday’s weather disruption affected large swathes of the capital and surrounding regions, including Narela, Rohini, Burari, Karawal Nagar, Safdarjung, Lodhi Road and beyond into the wider National Capital Region. According to the IMD, the showers were accompanied by thunder, lightning, and gusty winds clocking speeds between 30 and 60 km/h.

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