New Delhi: The skies over Delhi-NCR turned cloudy on Thursday evening, bringing much-needed relief from the scorching heat. The weather has become noticeably pleasant, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the overcast conditions will persist for another one to two days. An alert for heavy rain and thunderstorms has also been issued for the region.
According to the IMD, the ongoing weather shift marks the beginning of a wet spell expected to stretch into early June. Thunderstorms accompanied by rain are likely to lash Delhi-NCR in the coming days. Meanwhile, southern states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh continue to witness active monsoon showers, as do parts of the northeast and southwest. However, the rest of the country is still awaiting the monsoon’s arrival.
Western disturbance brings widespread change
The current shift in weather is attributed to a western disturbance affecting large parts of northern India. As a result, alerts for rain, thunderstorms, and dust storms have been issued not just for Delhi, but also for neighboring states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Similar changes are expected across Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, where lightning and gusty winds are likely.
In Rajasthan too, several eastern districts are expected to receive rain, which may be accompanied by strong winds. The showers are likely to bring down temperatures and offer temporary relief from both the dry heat and humidity.
Dip in temperature
In Delhi-NCR, the maximum temperature is expected to hover between 36°C and 39°C. Following the IMD’s storm and rain advisory, residents have been urged to stay indoors during periods of lightning and heavy rainfall. The IMD also noted that, much like May, the month of June is expected to witness fluctuating weather patterns. The southwest monsoon is likely to reach Delhi by June 20, offering a more sustained respite from the summer heat.
