Delhi-NCR wakes up to rainfall, cool breeze; IMD predicts clearer skies from Feb 21

The overnight showers brought relief from the recent warm spell in Delhi. (File photo/PTI)

Delhi-NCR woke up to cool, damp streets and a refreshing breeze on Thursday morning, as light rain and gusty winds swept across the city, providing a welcome dip in temperatures. The overnight showers brought relief from the recent warm spell, which saw Delhi’s maximum temperature soaring to 28.4 degrees Celsius on Wednesday — four degrees above the usual average.

According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature on Wednesday was recorded at 10.4 degrees Celsius, slightly lower than the seasonal average. Humidity levels varied throughout the day, ranging from 29% to 97%.

The IMD has forecast that the cloudy skies and occasional drizzle will continue through the morning, with winds picking up speed to 20-30 km/h later in the day. These showers are attributed to an active Western Disturbance over northern Pakistan, which is also bringing rainfall to neighbouring regions like Punjab, Haryana, north Rajasthan, and western Uttar Pradesh.

Further north, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad are experiencing rain and snowfall, while Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand will see scattered snowfall until February 23.

The IMD predicts clearer skies starting February 21, with temperatures gradually climbing. Over the next few days, maximum temperatures are expected to range between 26 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperatures will remain between 10 degrees Celsius and 14 degrees Celsius.

As winter recedes, Delhi’s weather will stabilise with a gradual warming trend. The forecast calls for partly cloudy conditions between February 21 and 25, offering fluctuating weather as brief spells of rain alternate with rising temperatures.

In the capital, despite the ongoing rain, the air quality remains in the ‘moderate’ category, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 181 at 9 am. Experts note that while the rain and wind provide temporary relief by dispersing pollutants, air quality could worsen once temperatures rise again, the Times of India reported.