New Delhi

Rain accompanied by gusty winds swept across Delhi on Thursday, bringing a sharp dip in temperatures and making this the wettest March in three years so far, with an average rainfall of 9.4 mm recorded.

The maximum temperature dropped to 26.8°C, the lowest for the month to date, as persistent cloud cover and intermittent showers provided relief from recent warm conditions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for the city till 11:15 pm, indicating residents should “be prepared” for severe weather that may disrupt daily life, including transport and routine activities.

Rainfall across the capital

The city’s base observatory at Safdarjung recorded 8.2 mm of rainfall during the day, taking the monthly average to 9.4 mm—close to the normal March average of 12.6 mm. The last time March saw higher rainfall was in 2023, when totals reached 50.4 mm.

Rainfall was widespread across multiple locations, including Safdarjung (8.2 mm), Palam (6.2 mm), Lodhi Road (8.2 mm), Ridge (8.6 mm), and Ayanagar (7.2 mm). Other areas such as Pitampura, Pusa, Mayur Vihar, and Janakpuri also recorded showers of varying intensity.

Light rainfall had also been recorded on Wednesday, indicating a continuing wet spell across the capital.

Temperatures dip below normal

Daytime temperatures remained significantly below normal across the city. While Safdarjung and Lodhi Road recorded 26.8°C, areas like Ridge, Palam, and Ayanagar saw even lower readings, up to nearly 7°C below normal.

Night temperatures, however, remained slightly above normal in several areas, with Safdarjung recording a minimum of 17.6°C.

Weather system behind the rains

According to meteorologists, the current weather is being driven by a western disturbance over North Pakistan and adjoining Jammu and Kashmir, along with an induced cyclonic circulation over Haryana. These systems are causing rainfall across north India, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana.

Weather expert Mahesh Palawat of Skymet noted that pre-monsoon activity has arrived earlier than usual this year, driven by higher temperatures in early March and a stronger western disturbance.

Forecast and air quality

The IMD has forecast similar conditions for Friday, with light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (40–50 kmph) expected to continue over parts of Delhi-NCR.

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The rainfall also helped improve air quality. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 137 in the “moderate” category, an improvement from the “poor” category recorded a day earlier, aided by rain and strong winds dispersing pollutants.