Delhi sees coldest April day in 11 years; IMD issues rain and thunderstorm alert

Delhi experienced an unusual spell of cool weather this week, with cloud cover, gusty winds, and light rain keeping temperatures well below seasonal norms. On Wednesday, April 8, the city recorded its lowest maximum temperature for April in 11 years, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The sudden dip offered a brief break from the early onset of summer.

At Safdarjung, Delhi’s base weather station, the maximum temperature settled at 28.2 degrees Celsius, which is 6.9 degrees below normal. The last time April saw a lower daytime temperature was on April 23, 2016, when it dropped to 27.2 degrees Celsius. This represents a rather uncommon instance of deviation from the regular increase in temperature associated with this period of the year.

What led to the temperature drop

This decline in temperature is due to the presence of a highly active western disturbance in northwestern India. This western disturbance was responsible for bringing in extensive cloud cover, high winds, and sporadic rainfall, helping control the rise in daytime temperatures. According to the IMD, western disturbances cause abrupt changes in the weather pattern, including rain and thunderstorms.

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Forecast for April 9

On Thursday, April 9, there will be a rise in temperatures for the city of Delhi; however, maximum and minimum temperatures can go up to 31 degrees and down to 15 degrees, respectively. Wind speed is anticipated to be from 30 kmph to 40 kmph, with some gusty winds here and there. The sky is expected to remain clear to partly cloudy, and there is a possibility of light rain in isolated pockets. Humidity levels could range between 50 per cent and 80 per cent through the day.

IMD issues alert, temperature rise expected

The weather department has issued an alert for the next 24 hours, advising residents to stay updated on changing conditions.

"The main weather activity is with respect to the western disturbance, which is currently seen over north Punjab and adjoining Jammu and Kashmir, which is likely to cause thunderstorm and precipitation activity over northwest parts of the country," IMD scientist Dr Akhil Srivastava told PTI.

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He added that temperatures are expected to rise soon. "After tomorrow, we are expecting a rise in the maximum temperatures over the northwest parts of the country by 6 to 8 degrees Celsius over the western Himalayan region and by 8 to 10 degrees Celsius over the north plains of northwest India. From tomorrow onwards, we are expecting clear skies," he said.

Amid the cooler conditions, Delhi’s air quality also showed improvement. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 93, placing it in the satisfactory category.