Sudden showers, gusty winds sweep south Delhi

Parts of South Delhi were hit by light rain and gusty winds on Sunday evening, offering brief respite from the sweltering heat. The spell, accompanied by thunderstorms, was triggered by a fast-moving cloud cluster travelling east-southeastward, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported.

Wind speeds reached between 30 and 40 kmph across the city, with gusts peaking at 50 kmph in some areas. However, isolated localities recorded significantly higher intensities — Palam registered wind speeds of 65 kmph, while Jharoda Kalan saw gusts of 37 kmph around 4:30 PM. Safdarjung experienced a brief but intense thundersquall between 4:35 PM and 4:37 PM, with winds touching 66 kmph. Pragati Maidan recorded the highest gust of the day at 76 kmph at 4:45 PM.

According to the IMD, the brief weather event was the result of several interacting systems. These included a Western Disturbance in the form of a cyclonic circulation over north Pakistan at mid-tropospheric levels, another cyclonic circulation over Haryana in the lower layers of the atmosphere, and ongoing moisture incursion from the Arabian Sea. Additional dynamic and thermodynamic conditions contributed to the storm’s development, the department added.

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Sunday’s maximum temperature dipped slightly to 37.9°C — 2.1 degrees below the seasonal average — while relative humidity levels ranged from 98% in the morning to 56% later in the day.

The IMD has forecast similar weather for Monday, with the possibility of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching up to 50 kmph. Daytime temperatures are expected to hover around 37°C, while the minimum may dip to 21°C.

Meanwhile, air quality in Delhi remained in the “moderate” category as of 4 pm, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 197. According to the CPCB, an AQI between 101 and 200 falls under the “moderate” bracket, indicating acceptable air quality for most people, though there may be a concern for those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

(With inputs from PTI)