Delhi Weather Today: Thunderstorm May Bring Relief From Scorching Heat

Delhiites may finally get a break from the relentless heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted thunderstorms with gusty winds over the capital on Saturday. This weather shift comes as a welcome relief, especially with maximum temperatures hovering around 40°C in recent days.

Morning Humidity and Temperature Readings

On Saturday morning, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 29.6°C, which is 1.6°C above the seasonal average. At 8:30 am, the relative humidity was reported at 68%, indicating moisture-laden air that could trigger storm activity later in the day.

Delhi Air Quality: Moderate Yet Cautionary

While the weather promises rain, air quality continues to remain a concern. As per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 156 at 9 am, placing it in the “moderate” category.

• • Below 100: Considered good or satisfactory

  • 101 to 200: Categorized as moderate

  • Above 200: Classified as poor, very poor, or severe depending on the level

  Residents are advised to avoid prolonged outdoor activities, especially those with respiratory conditions.

Monsoon Outlook: Advancing Across India

In a broader update, the IMD has stated that the Southwest monsoon is gaining momentum, creating favorable conditions for its spread across central and eastern India.

In the next two days, monsoon rains are expected to cover more areas of Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. Following that, rainfall is likely across Gujarat, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Bihar.
This resurgence marks the active phase of the monsoon (June 13-17), which may result in:

• Heavy to very heavy rainfall in some areas

• Isolated extremely heavy rainfall (>20 cm in 24 hours) in Konkan-Goa and southern peninsular India

Delhi and Northwest India: Heatwave Still Lingers

Despite today’s rain prediction, Northwest India continues to reel under heatwave to severe heatwave conditions, especially across:

• Jammu and Kashmir

• Haryana

• West Rajasthan

• Punjab and East Rajasthan

• Delhi (isolated pockets)

Temperatures are expected to remain high for another 48 hours before the monsoon potentially brings sustained relief.

Early Monsoon Arrival: A Mixed Bag

Interestingly, the southwest monsoon hit Kerala on May 24—a full week ahead of schedule. This marks the earliest onset since 2009. However, after an initial surge, the monsoon stalled for nearly two weeks, delaying relief across many regions.

According to IMD, the upcoming week will be crucial for monsoon coverage and intensity. The agriculture sector, urban planners, and public health officials are all closely monitoring these developments.

Conclusion: Keep Umbrellas Ready, but Stay Cautious

Delhiites should brace for possible thunderstorms and gusty winds today, as predicted by the IMD. While this may offer short-term relief, high temperatures and moderate air pollution levels still warrant caution. The next few days could be critical in determining whether the monsoon can effectively cool down northern India.