Delhi Swelters Under Humid Heat, Relief Expected With Rain Over the Weekend
The weather in the capital Delhi is going to change in the next few days. The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for three days starting Saturday. During this period, light to moderate rain is expected. On Thursday, the maximum temperature was recorded at 36.6 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal. The minimum temperature remained at a normal level of 26.6 degrees Celsius.
Evershine Today
Delhiites endured a hot and humid day on Thursday as bright sunshine pushed the mercury higher. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a change in weather starting Saturday, bringing much-needed respite in the form of light to moderate rainfall.
On Thursday, the capital recorded a maximum temperature of 36.6 degrees Celsius, two degrees above the normal average. The minimum temperature held steady at 26.6 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels fluctuated between 88% and 61%, adding to the discomfort.
Drizzle or Light Rain Expected
The IMD predicts that Friday’s weather will remain similar, with the maximum temperature hovering around 36 degrees Celsius and the minimum around 26 degrees Celsius. Some areas may experience a drizzle or light rain. A more significant change is expected from Saturday onwards, with intermittent light to moderate rain forecasted for the next three days. A yellow alert has been issued by the IMD for these three days, signaling the anticipated shift in weather conditions.
AQI Remains Satisfactory for 26th Consecutive Day
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 84 on Thursday, placing it in the ‘satisfactory’ category. Notably, this marks the 26th consecutive day that the AQI has remained below 100, a rare occurrence in the capital's typically polluted environment.
Record Rainfall in August
In a significant development, August 2024 has seen 20 days of rain in Delhi, the first in 12 years. The last time such prolonged rainfall occurred was in 2012 when rain was recorded for 22 days. So far, only August 3 and 22 have been dry days without any recorded drizzle or light rain. The month has already witnessed 269.9 mm of rainfall, 54% above the normal average. With nine days remaining in the month, there is speculation that this year could surpass the 2012 record.
Persistent Cloud Cover
From August 4 to 21, Delhi experienced persistent cloud cover, with rainfall recorded at the Safdarjung weather station on all 18 days. This is considered one of the longest spells of rain in August in recent history, although the Meteorological Department is still analyzing the data to confirm this observation.
