Delhi is set for a shift in weather, with light rain expected on Sunday and Monday. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for moderate showers on Tuesday and Wednesday. Temperatures remain above normal.
Delhi’s weather is entering a period of heightened attention as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) signals a yellow alert for the coming week. After a brief spell of light rain on Saturday, the city is forecast to see very light to light rainfall on Sunday and Monday, followed by a marked increase in precipitation on Tuesday and Wednesday. The IMD’s alert points to the likelihood of moderate showers, a development that could impact daily routines and city infrastructure.
Despite the recent rainfall, temperatures in Delhi have continued to climb. At Safdarjung, the city’s primary weather station, Saturday’s minimum temperature reached 27.7°C, slightly above the seasonal average and higher than the previous day. The maximum temperature rose to 36°C, exceeding normal levels by over a degree. Other monitoring points, including Palam and Lodhi Road, also reported higher-than-usual minimums, with Palam’s maximum temperature at 33.8°C and Ayanagar’s minimum up by more than a degree compared to Friday.
Rainfall over the past 24 hours has been uneven across the capital. Safdarjung recorded 1 mm of rain early Saturday, while Palam saw a total of 2.6 mm split between morning and afternoon. Lodhi Road registered 1.9 mm overnight, and areas like Najafgarh, Janakpuri, and Naraina experienced between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm during various periods. These scattered showers have provided some relief but have not reversed the upward trend in temperatures.
Looking ahead, the IMD expects surface winds of 20 to 30 km/h, with gusts up to 40 km/h, to accompany the light rain forecast for Sunday and Monday. Maximum temperatures are projected to stay between 33°C and 35°C, while minimums will likely range from 25°C to 27°C. The yellow alert for Tuesday and Wednesday signals a shift to moderate rainfall, which could bring temporary disruptions and increased humidity.
Air quality in Delhi remains a point of interest, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reporting a 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 73 on Saturday morning. This places the city in the ‘satisfactory’ category, a slight increase from Friday’s reading of 70. According to CPCB standards, AQI values between 51 and 100 are considered satisfactory, while higher levels indicate moderate to severe pollution.
Weather patterns across India have shown significant variability this season. In other regions, such as southeast Spain, authorities have also issued weather warnings for storms and extreme temperatures, as highlighted in recent coverage of severe storms and hail impacting Valencia and Murcia. These developments underscore the broader challenges cities face in managing unpredictable weather and its effects on daily life.
Delhi’s current forecast reflects a typical monsoon transition, where alternating periods of heat and rain test the city’s resilience. The IMD’s yellow alert serves as a reminder for residents and authorities to remain vigilant, especially as moderate rainfall can lead to localized flooding and traffic delays. The ongoing monitoring of air quality and temperature trends will be crucial in the days ahead, as the capital navigates the balance between relief from heat and the risks posed by heavier showers.
