Delhi-NCR to Get Welcome Respite from Heatwave with Forecasted Light Rain
Residents of Delhi-NCR can anticipate some relief from the persistent heatwave, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted light rainfall and thunderstorms for Friday. This weather change is expected to lower temperatures, providing a much-needed break from the intense heat that has recently affected the national capital region. The forecast offers a moment of comfort and signals a slight shift in prevailing weather patterns.
Unpacked:
The recent heatwave in Delhi-NCR has been unprecedented: temperatures reached a record high of 49.9°C (121.8°F) in late May 2024, the highest ever recorded in the region's history, surpassing previous decades' records.
The rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to provide temporary relief, but in Delhi’s climate, the hot and dry conditions typically return until the full onset of the monsoon, which usually arrives in late June, so the respite may be short-lived.
Delhi’s intense heatwaves result from a combination of its monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate, urban heat island effects, and broader climate change trends, which have contributed to rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events in recent years.
Severe heatwaves in Delhi-NCR lead to increased health risks like heatstroke, dehydration, and respiratory issues, strain on electricity and water supply, and disruptions to outdoor work and daily activities, especially affecting vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.