Key Facts
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast partly cloudy skies and light rain for Delhi this week, but the maximum temperature is expected to rise to 44°C by Saturday. Thunderstorms are likely on Tuesday afternoon, with cloudy conditions persisting through most of the week.
Detailed Forecast
According to the IMD, very light to light rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds is expected on Monday afternoon or evening, as well as on Saturday. Thunderstorms are also forecast for Tuesday afternoon. However, the maximum temperature is likely to increase from Monday and reach 42-44°C on Saturday. The normal maximum temperature for June 15-19 is 38.8°C and for June 20 is 38.6°C.
Delhi recorded a maximum of 38.5°C on Sunday, following a brief respite after rains on Friday.
Why Temperature Will Rise Despite Rain
Mahesh Palawat, vice-president of Skymet Weather, explained that the increase in temperature despite thunderstorms is because the weather activity will remain isolated. Northwesterly winds are expected to continue over northwestern India, including Delhi-NCR. There will not be widespread rain and thunderstorms over northwest India; that’s why a gradual increase is anticipated over the next few days,
he said.
Humidity and Heat Index
The city experienced high humidity on Sunday, ranging from 38% to 81%, leading to a high heat index or feels-like temperature. The wet bulb temperature on Sunday at 5:30 pm was 26.07°C. A wet-bulb reading above 32°C can significantly impair the body's ability to cool itself, while 35°C is considered the theoretical limit for survival. The minimum temperature on Sunday was 26.2°C and is expected to rise to 30-32°C by Saturday. The normal minimum temperature for June 15-19 is 27.5°C and for June 20-24 is 28°C.
Air Quality Deteriorates
Delhi's air quality worsened on Sunday after two days in the 'satisfactory' category. The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) was 151, falling in the 'moderate' category. On Friday, the average AQI was 73, the cleanest since September 5 last year when it was 67, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
What Readers Should Know
- Light rain and thunderstorms expected Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday.
- Maximum temperature to rise gradually, reaching 42-44°C by Saturday.
- High humidity will make it feel hotter.
- Air quality is 'moderate' and may worsen.
FAQ
Will Delhi get rain this week?
Yes, very light to light rain with thunderstorms is expected on Monday afternoon/evening, Tuesday afternoon, and Saturday.
What will be the maximum temperature in Delhi this week?
The maximum temperature is likely to rise gradually, reaching 42-44°C by Saturday.
Why is temperature rising despite rain?
According to Skymet Weather, the rain will be isolated and not widespread, allowing northwesterly winds to continue, leading to a gradual increase in temperature.