Will Delhiites Find Relief from the Scorching Heat with IMD's Thunderstorm Prediction?

New Delhi, June 13 (NationPress) Residents of the national capital are set to experience some much-needed relief from the oppressive heat, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted thunderstorms and rainfall later today. This weather shift is anticipated to alleviate the sweltering conditions that have been prevalent in Delhi and its neighboring areas for several days.

According to IMD scientist Akhil Srivastava, the maximum temperature in Delhi-NCR remains elevated, with nighttime temperatures also exceeding normal levels. Due to these extreme conditions, a red alert was issued on Thursday. For June 13, the forecast suggests hot and humid conditions during the day, with a potential heatwave hitting some areas. Therefore, an orange to red alert has been issued for today.

Srivastava further indicated that thunderstorm activity is expected by Friday night, with wind speeds projected between 40 to 60 km/h.

“This weather pattern is likely to continue for the next two to three days, potentially leading to a decrease in maximum temperatures,” he noted.

Currently, Delhi's temperatures are hovering around 44 degrees Celsius, and a drop to approximately 40 degrees Celsius is expected by June 15 or 16.

Moreover, Srivastava mentioned that northwestern India will remain hot, with minimal changes in maximum temperatures over the next 48 to 72 hours.

“We anticipate a reduction of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius in the coming days. However, severe heat conditions will persist in western Rajasthan, where a red alert has been issued. Warm nights are being reported across the region, with nighttime temperatures also above average, exacerbating the overall impact,” he added.

The IMD has issued red alerts for Punjab and Haryana for the next two days due to expected extreme conditions. Rajasthan is also under a red alert for Friday, which will transition to an orange alert for the following two days. In Uttar Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, orange alerts have been issued as cooler weather is anticipated over the weekend.

Srivastava also highlighted a likelihood of light to very light rainfall in parts of Delhi, coinciding with the thunderstorm activity.

“While rainfall intensity may be low, it will provide a temporary cooling effect and some relief from the intense heat,” he stated.

When asked if this summer has been particularly hotter than usual, Srivastava responded: “Heatwaves are not a new phenomenon for Delhi or North India. We experienced similar extreme temperatures last year as well. It wouldn’t be accurate to claim this year is significantly worse; rather, such patterns are increasingly common.”