Rain, wind cool Delhi, records lowest maximum temperature in over a month

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Friday, forecasting more rain and a further dip in the mercury to around 23–25°C

Scattered showers and strong winds cooled the capital on Thursday, with the maximum temperature dipping below 30°C for the first time in nearly a month to 26.8°C, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This was 4.7 degrees below normal and the lowest maximum in Delhi since February 24, when it was 29.9°C.

Overcast skies and light rain near Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi, on Thursday. The maximum temperature was 26.8°C. (Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo)

On Wednesday, the maximum temperature was 33.6°C, marking a 6.8-degree drop over 24 hours, IMD data showed.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Friday, forecasting more rain and a further dip in the mercury to around 23–25°C.

“Generally cloudy skies, with a spell of very light to light rain accompanied by thunderstorm/lightning and strong surface winds of 30–40 kmph, gusting to 50 kmph, are likely in the morning. One or two spells of light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorm/lightning and strong surface winds of 30–40 kmph, gusting to 50 kmph, are likely from forenoon to evening,” the IMD said.

According to the IMD’s seven-day forecast, the maximum temperature is expected to gradually rise after Friday, reaching 32–34°C by March 25.

The minimum temperature on Thursday was 17.6°C.

The city’s 24-hour average AQI was recorded in the ‘moderate’ category at 137 at 4 pm, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.