Delhiās weather through April followed a fluctuating pattern, with rain spells interrupting periods of rising heat. While the month is typically known for intense summer conditions, this year saw a softer trend overall, largely due to early and late rainfall activity.
According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the mean maximum temperature recorded till April 29 stood at 37C. This is lower than last yearās 39C and only slightly above the long-period average of 36.5C. The figure is similar to 2024, while April 2023 had remained notably cooler at 35.3C.
Rainfall plays a key role
A major factor behind the moderated temperatures was higher-than-usual rainfall. Delhi recorded around 30 mm of rain this April, nearly double the normal 16.3 mm. This makes it the wettest April since 2008, when 38.8 mm was recorded.
Pedestrians make their way through a varnished road following a rainfall at Kartavya Path ANI In comparison, rainfall in April last year stood at just 0.7 mm, while 2024 saw 7.5 mm, and 2023 recorded 20.1 mm. Frequent showers in the first half of the month prevented a steady rise in temperatures, especially during the opening week when four rainy days between April 1 and 8 kept daytime conditions relatively mild.
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Brief heatwave interrupts cooler trend
Temperatures began climbing after mid-April, with the mercury crossing 40C for the first time on April 16. This led to a short but intense hot spell, during which the city experienced nine days with temperatures above 40C.
A three-day heatwave between April 23 and 25 marked the peak of this phase. On April 24, Safdarjung, Delhiās base weather station, recorded 42.8C, the highest April temperature in four years.
Late showers bring relief again. Towards the end of the month, a western disturbance brought cloud cover and fresh rainfall, helping bring temperatures down once more. Light showers were recorded across several parts of the city, with Safdarjung and Palam receiving 1.8 mm each, Lodhi Road 2.2 mm and Mungeshpur 5 mm.
Delhi witnesses a rainfall ANI The maximum temperature on Wednesday settled at 37.1C, around two degrees below normal.
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āThe first half was largely dominated by rainfall. In the second half, temperatures rose during a brief dry spell, but were again checked by fresh showers toward the end of the month,ā said Mahesh Palawat of Skymet.
Forecasts indicate that this pattern may extend into early May, with chances of light rain continuing and temperatures expected to stay in the 35C to 37C range, offering some relief from prolonged extreme heat.
