After enduring days of relentless heat and the hottest April night in over three years, residents of Delhi-NCR were greeted with a dramatic shift in weather on Wednesday evening. Heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds, swept across the capital, offering a much-needed breather from the suffocating heatwave that had gripped the region since early April.
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According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this abrupt weather change is expected to continue over the next couple of days, with forecasts predicting more showers and cloudy skies till April 11.
IMD Issues Rain and Thunderstorm Alert
The IMD had earlier issued an orange alert for parts of Delhi, warning of gusty winds (30–40 kmph), lightning, and localized rainfall in the national capital and adjoining regions such as Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad.
“The rain was triggered by western disturbances and lower-level easterlies that interacted over the Indo-Gangetic plains. This led to the formation of thunderclouds and convective activity across Delhi-NCR,” stated an IMD spokesperson.
- Forecast valid till April 11: Light to moderate rain and thunderstorm
- Temperature drop: Day temperature fell by 4–5°C post rainfall
- Wind speed: Gusts recorded between 30–50 kmph in parts of Delhi
- Air quality impact: Mild improvement in AQI due to rain settling dust particles
Visual Delight — Dark Clouds, Lightning & Pouring Rain
The transformation in the city’s skyline was nothing short of cinematic. Dark cumulonimbus clouds loomed over the horizon, and flashes of lightning lit up the skies around India Gate, Connaught Place, and South Delhi, followed by loud thunder and refreshing rain.
Citizens took to social media to share mesmerizing visuals and express their relief:
“Finally, some mercy from the skies after days of being roasted alive,” wrote one Delhiite on X (formerly Twitter).
“Feels like we skipped summer and jumped straight into the monsoon!” added another.
Scorching Heat Replaced by Breezy Calm
Until this weather reversal, Delhi had recorded temperatures as high as 40.4°C, which was 5°C above normal, making it one of the hottest starts to April in recent memory. On Tuesday night, minimum temperatures remained around 29.2°C, marking the hottest April night since 2022, according to data from IMD.
The heat was particularly brutal due to high humidity levels and stagnant air, making the city feel like a pressure cooker during the day and offering little respite at night.
Post rain, temperatures dropped dramatically across multiple weather stations:
- Safdarjung: From 40.2°C to 34.1°C
- Palam: From 39.8°C to 33.4°C
- Ridge area: 5.3°C drop in just 2 hours
NCR and Neighboring States Experience Spillover Showers
The rainfall was not limited to the capital alone. Neighboring regions like Noida, Greater Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Panipat, and Rohtak also recorded scattered rainfall and thunderstorms.
IMD also reported light showers in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, all of which contributed to a broader cooling pattern across North India.
Delhiites Step Out to Enjoy the Surprise Showers
As the downpour swept across the city, many Delhiites ditched their usual routines to step outside and enjoy the moment. Popular spots like India Gate lawns, Lodhi Garden, and Connaught Place saw a rush of people basking in the cool breeze and soaking in the evening rain.
Street vendors and food stalls also saw increased footfall, as people craved for steaming chai, pakoras, and samosas — staples of rainy weather in India.
“It’s such a relief. We were literally waiting for this change,” said Neha Singh, a college student at Delhi University.
What’s Next — Weather Outlook
According to the latest IMD bulletin, another western disturbance is likely to impact the region by the weekend, although the intensity may reduce.
Rain & Temperature Forecast Highlights:
- April 11: Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, max temperature ~34°C
- April 12–13: Dry but breezy, temperatures may rise slightly again
- No heatwave warnings for the next three days
Final Word — A Moment to Breathe
For a city that was beginning to feel like a furnace, this short-lived spell of rain has brought much-needed relief and a welcome emotional reset. Whether it sustains or not, Delhiites are soaking in the moment while it lasts — umbrellas out, windows open, and hearts a little lighter.
By – Nikita
