Delhi residents continued to enjoy a break from the intense summer heat on Saturday as rain and gusty winds helped bring down temperatures across the city. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature settled at 37.1C, which was more than three degrees below the seasonal average. The minimum temperature was recorded at 24.6C.
The change in weather also had a positive impact on air quality. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped to 85, placing it in the “satisfactory” category and marking the cleanest air day recorded in the city since October 8 last year, when the AQI stood at 80.
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Air quality improves across the capital
Saturday became the fourth day this month when Delhi’s AQI remained in the satisfactory range. Earlier, AQI levels were recorded at 88 on May 4, 86 on May 5 and 100 on May 8.
As per the Central Pollution Control Board’s classification, AQI values between 51 and 100 fall under the satisfactory category, while readings between 101 and 200 are considered moderate.
Rainfall recorded in several areas
The IMD issued an orange alert for rain and strong winds on Saturday morning. Rainfall was reported between 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm at multiple weather stations. Mayur Vihar received the highest rainfall at 4 mm, followed by Lodhi Road with 3.8 mm and Safdarjung with 0.9 mm.
Later in the afternoon, IMD upgraded the warning and issued a red alert for parts of north, north-west, west, south-west, central and north-east Delhi. The alert warned of severe thunderstorms accompanied by wind speeds of 60-80 kmph.
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More relief expected, but heat may return
IMD has issued a yellow alert for Sunday and forecast light rain, thunderstorms and winds reaching 40-50 kmph. The maximum temperature is expected to remain between 36C and 38C.
However, weather conditions are likely to change from next week. Temperatures are expected to rise gradually and may touch 40C to 42C by June 4.
Explaining the weather pattern, Mahesh Palawat, vice president of Skymet Weather, said, “Going into June, one or two episodes of isolated heatwave may occur, but the city will be experiencing occasional rain and thunderstorms as pre-monsoon activities continue, providing short breaks from the heat.”
