Delhi Weather Today: Light Rain, Thunderstorm Alert Issued; Temperatures Dip Below Normal, AQI Stays Moderate

New Delhi woke to a soft spell of drizzle and breezy winds on Friday morning, bringing a brief dip in temperatures and a pause from the city’s recent dry stretch. The minimum temperature settled at 16 degrees Celsius, slightly below the seasonal average, according to the India Meteorological Department.

The weather office sounded a yellow alert for the capital, signalling conditions that may cause minor disruptions through the day. “Very light rain/drizzle accompanied by thunderstorms is likely at most places, with moderate rain at isolated locations over the next two hours,” the IMD said. Such an alert calls for residents to stay aware, as sudden weather changes could affect traffic and outdoor movement.

Across Delhi’s monitoring stations, temperatures varied through the early hours. Palam recorded a cooler 14.7 degrees Celsius, while Lodhi Road registered 15.8 degrees Celsius. The Ridge area came in lower at 15.1 degrees Celsius, and Ayanagar hovered close to the city average at 16 degrees Celsius.

Rainfall in the past 24 hours added to the shift in weather. Safdarjung logged 6.6 mm of rain, with nearby stations such as Palam, Lodhi Road, Ridge, and Ayanagar recording comparable showers.

What Does The Forecast Look Like?

Meteorologists attribute the change to active thunderstorm systems sweeping across northern and central India, combined with a series of incoming western disturbances. These factors are expected to keep daytime temperatures in check over the coming week. “Day temperatures are likely to remain normal to below normal over the next week. No significant heatwave conditions are expected,” the IMD said.

Air quality showed a mixed picture alongside the changing weather. Delhi’s Air Quality Index stood at 123, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category, as per data from the Central Pollution Control Board. Most monitoring stations reported moderate to satisfactory levels, although Burari Crossing stood out with readings in the ‘severe’ category. Although the rain offers temporary relief, localised pollution concerns are still very much persistent. 

(With inputs from PTI.)

FAQs

1. Why did Delhi receive rain today?

Rainfall in Delhi is due to active thunderstorm systems and incoming western disturbances, according to the India Meteorological Department.

2. What is the current weather alert for Delhi?

The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms and light to moderate rainfall.

3. Has temperature dropped in Delhi?

Yes, temperatures in Delhi have dipped slightly below normal, with minimum temperatures around 16 degrees Celsius.

4. What is the AQI level in Delhi today?

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s AQI is currently in the moderate category, though one station recorded severe levels.

5. Will Delhi face a heatwave soon?

No. The India Meteorological Department has indicated that temperatures are likely to remain normal to below normal, with no immediate heatwave conditions expected.