In an unexpected twist of weather, Delhi and its surrounding NCR regions were hit by a powerful dust storm followed by moderate rainfall on Thursday, bringing temporary relief amid an ongoing heatwave. Areas like Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Greater Noida witnessed sudden gusty winds and showers, disrupting the dry and scorching weather that had gripped the capital.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that the change was due to a Western Disturbance sweeping across North India. Thunderstorms, light rain, and gusty winds are expected to continue on Friday, April 11, with a forecasted dip in temperatures. Friday’s weather is predicted to range between 24°C and 39°C, with more rain likely to help ease the heatwave conditions.
This sudden change comes after Delhi recorded its warmest April night in three years on Wednesday, with a minimum temperature of 25.6°C. That record was broken just a day later when temperatures hit 26°C. The sweltering heat pushed the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) to 243 at 9 a.m. on Thursday, falling under the ‘poor’ category according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board.
The IMD says the Western Disturbance will bring a temporary reprieve from extreme temperatures. However, by April 12, Delhi is expected to see only light drizzle under a generally cloudy sky, followed by a return to clear and sunny weather for the coming days.
For residents, Thursday’s rain was a welcome surprise after battling days of high heat and pollution. While the weather change may not mark the end of the heatwave entirely, it provides some short-term relief and improves air quality conditions temporarily.
Delhi Weather Forecast Highlights:
- April 10: Dust storm and moderate rainfall hit NCR.
- April 11: Thunderstorms with rain and gusty winds expected.
- April 12: Light rain/drizzle likely with cloudy skies.
- Post-April 12: Clear skies expected to return.
Stay updated with daily weather alerts and protect yourself during dust storms by wearing masks and limiting outdoor exposure.
