Delhi residents can anticipate a much-needed break from the severe heatwave conditions that have gripped the capital, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting thunderstorms and rain starting today, May 28. This marks the first significant shift after days of scorching temperatures.
Today's Forecast: Thunderstorms and Moderate Relief
For Wednesday, May 28, the IMD has issued a yellow alert, predicting thunderstorms, rain, and strong winds across Delhi. Rain is likely to occur during the afternoon and evening, accompanied by winds gusting up to 40 kmph. The maximum temperature is expected to settle near 43°C, with the minimum around 29°C, a modest but welcome dip from recent highs.
The IMD's latest bulletin indicates a shift from a partly cloudy to a generally cloudy sky, with sustained strong surface winds reaching 20-30 kmph and occasionally gusting to 40 kmph during the day. Evening and night hours could see a spell of very light to light rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and stronger winds reaching 50-60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph. Residents are advised to stay indoors during peak wind activity and avoid open areas during thunderstorms.
Sharper Drop in Temperatures Expected Friday
The most significant relief is anticipated on Friday, May 29. The IMD forecasts a sharp drop in maximum temperatures to around 36°C and minimums to approximately 26°C, a considerable departure from the mid-40s experienced earlier in the week. Thunderstorms, rain, and strong winds blowing at 40-50 kmph are expected throughout Friday, with the possibility of lightning and dust squalls.
Friday's forecast includes a spell of very light to light rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and dust storms, with gusty winds reaching 60-70 kmph, potentially gusting to 80 kmph, during the morning to forenoon. Another spell of very light to light rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph) is predicted for the afternoon and evening.
Factors Driving the Weather Change
The IMD attributes this welcome change in weather to a fresh Western Disturbance moving across northwest India from May 28 onwards. This atmospheric system typically brings cloud cover, rain, and cooler temperatures when it interacts with summer heat over the plains. Additionally, a moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal and the likely formation of a lower tropospheric east-west trough are contributing to the heatwave relief.
Maximum temperatures are expected to remain in the comfortable 35–36°C range through May 30 and 31, with minimums between 25–26°C, signaling a sustained period of cooler weather for the region.