Delhi rain on Thursday brought a sharp change in weather across the capital, lowering the day’s temperature by more than six degrees in parts of the city and taking October rainfall to more than three times the monthly average. The India Meteorological Department has forecast the possibility of light rain on Friday, while dry weather is expected from October 17 to 22, including Dussehra on October 20.
The weather changed suddenly around noon after clouds had remained active over Delhi through the morning. Light rain began at about 12 pm, followed by a spell of heavier rain around 1 pm as dark clouds covered the city. Gusty winds travelling at 40 to 50 kmph accompanied the rain, and motorists were seen using headlights as visibility reduced during the afternoon spell.
The rain, reported to be light in some areas and moderate in others, continued until around 2.30 pm. The combination of cloud cover and rainfall brought down the maximum temperature to 28.3°C, which was 4.9°C below normal for the period. The steepest fall was recorded in the Ridge area, where the temperature dropped by 6.3°C.
The minimum temperature, however, remained above normal at 23.3°C. It was 3.7°C higher than the normal level. Relative humidity ranged from 76% to 100%, indicating saturated conditions across the capital during and after the rain.
Delhi recorded 15.9 mm of rainfall up to 5.30 pm on Thursday. With this addition, the capital’s rainfall for October reached 57.5 mm. The monthly average for October is 15.1 mm, meaning the month’s rainfall had already crossed three times the average by the middle of the month.
According to the weather department, the change was linked to an active western disturbance over north Punjab and a cyclonic circulation in the air around south Haryana. These systems contributed to the cloud formation, strong winds and rain over Delhi, according to the report.
The weather conditions also affected the city’s roads during the afternoon. The combination of heavy cloud cover, gusty winds and rain led vehicle users to switch on headlights while travelling. The supplied report does not provide details of waterlogging, traffic disruption, damage or civic response, so the extent of operational impact across Delhi remains unconfirmed.
The weather department has indicated that light rain may occur on Friday. Despite the current spell, no rain is expected between October 17 and 22. The forecast therefore points to clear weather for Dussehra on October 20, when outdoor celebrations and the scheduled burning of Ravana effigies are expected to take place.
