Dust storms, light rain likely in Delhi; Rajasthan scorches at 45°C

The minimum temperature was recorded at 25.6 degrees Celsius.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a partly cloudy sky over parts of Delhi on Saturday, with light rain and thunderstorms also expected. This forecast follows the rainfall that affected various parts of the national capital on Friday evening, accompanied by dust storms, lightning, and high winds in areas of the National Capital Region (NCR), including Noida and Ghaziabad.

According to the IMD's Saturday bulletin, "The sky will be partly cloudy, becoming generally cloudy by evening, with very light rain or drizzle expected, along with thunderstorms, lightning, and dust storms. Sustained surface winds will reach speeds of 40 to 50 km/h, with gusts up to 60 km/h."

The rain and gusty winds provided some relief from the heat in Delhi, where the maximum temperature reached 41 degrees Celsius, which is 4.2 degrees above normal. The minimum temperature was recorded at 25.6 degrees Celsius.

The weather department noted, "A fresh cluster of clouds has entered Delhi, causing very light to light rainfall and gusty winds of 30 to 40 km/h. It is likely to move across the city with similar intensity." Data indicated that areas such as Narela, Pitampura, and Mayur Vihar recorded 0.5 mm of rainfall.

The temperature dropped from 36 degrees Celsius to 27 degrees Celsius in Pusa, while Pitampura and Mayur Vihar saw a decrease from 37 degrees Celsius to 27 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels fluctuated between 35% and 57%. Meanwhile, the air quality at 4 PM on Friday was recorded in the "poor" category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 219.

In Rajasthan, searing heat persisted as maximum temperatures surpassed 45 degrees Celsius in several regions. The meteorological department has predicted strong winds and dust storms starting Saturday, which may provide some relief from the high temperatures.

On Friday, the weather in the state remained dry, contributing to heatwave conditions in many areas. The highest maximum temperatures were recorded in Sri Ganganagar and Churu, both reaching 45.4 degrees Celsius. Other high temperatures included 45.2 degrees Celsius in Chittorgarh, 45.1 degrees Celsius in Vanasthali and Kota, 44.9 degrees Celsius in Pilani, and 44.4 degrees Celsius in Barmer. Additionally, temperatures of 43.5 degrees Celsius in Jaisalmer, 42.6 degrees Celsius in Sangaria, and 42.5 degrees Celsius in Fatehpur were noted.

The Meteorological Department and the Health Department have issued alerts and guidelines for protection against heatwaves in at least five districts.

Over the next 48 hours, some areas in the Jodhpur and Bikaner divisions may experience strong winds with dust storms, blowing at speeds of 30 to 40 km/h. Following this, a decrease of 2 to 4 degrees in both maximum and minimum temperatures is expected, and heatwave conditions may persist in isolated areas of the Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Kota divisions.