Delhi rain brought a sharp change in the capital’s weather on Thursday, with the maximum temperature falling by more than six degrees in parts of the city and October rainfall already reaching over three times the month’s average. The India Meteorological Department has indicated a possibility of light rain on Friday, while dry weather is expected from October 17 to 22.
Rain began in parts of Delhi around noon on Thursday, initially remaining light before intensifying at about 1 pm. Dark clouds covered the city and gusty winds reaching 40 to 50 kmph accompanied the heavier spell. Visibility reduced sharply during the afternoon, with motorists seen using headlights while travelling through the city.
The rain continued intermittently until around 2.30 pm, with some areas receiving light showers and others recording moderate rainfall. The combination of cloud cover and rain brought relief from the recent heat. Delhi’s maximum temperature was recorded at 28.3 degrees Celsius, which was 4.9 degrees below normal for the period.
The sharpest fall was recorded in the Ridge area, where the temperature declined by 6.3 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature, however, remained above normal at 23.3 degrees Celsius, or 3.7 degrees higher than the seasonal average. Relative humidity ranged between 76 and 100 per cent, indicating saturated atmospheric conditions across the capital.
By 5.30 pm, Delhi had recorded 15.9 millimetres of rainfall. With Thursday’s rain included, the city’s cumulative rainfall for October had reached 57.5 millimetres. The average rainfall for the month is 15.1 millimetres, placing the month’s total at more than three times the normal figure even though October was only halfway through.
According to the weather department, the change was linked to an active western disturbance over north Punjab and a cyclonic circulation in the vicinity of south Haryana. These systems contributed to the cloud formation, gusty winds and rain over Delhi during the afternoon.
The weather department has forecast a possibility of light rain on Friday. However, the available forecast indicates that rain is unlikely between October 17 and October 22. This includes October 20, when Dussehra will be observed, suggesting that outdoor celebrations in Delhi are expected to take place under clear weather conditions.
The sudden weather shift has produced contrasting conditions for the city. Residents experienced relief from the heat, while motorists had to navigate reduced visibility during the strongest part of the afternoon rain. The next immediate weather milestone is Friday’s forecast of possible light showers, followed by the expected dry spell through the Dussehra period.
