New Delhi, May 28 (IANS) Delhi-NCR may finally get some much-needed relief from the intense heat and heatwave conditions that have persisted over the past few days, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms and rain.

The alert comes amid severe heatwave conditions in the city, with maximum temperatures hovering between 45 and 46 degrees Celsius in recent days. According to the IMD, Delhi-NCR is expected to witness thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rainfall on May 28, with wind speeds likely to reach up to 50 kmph.

Reports suggest that the national capital may experience very light to light rainfall during the afternoon, along with thundersqualls and gusty winds reaching speeds of 50-60 kmph. Similar weather conditions have also been predicted for the evening hours. The IMD has advised residents to stay alert and keep themselves updated about changing weather conditions, especially as similar alerts have been issued for neighbouring states as well.

At present, temperatures in Delhi remain significantly high. The Safdarjung weather station recorded a maximum temperature of 44.3 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature remained around 26 degrees Celsius. Although no major change in temperature is expected immediately, the IMD has forecast a drop of 5 to 7 degrees Celsius after May 29, which is likely to provide considerable relief from the scorching heat.

In addition to rainfall, thunderstorms are expected to affect several parts of the city over the next few days. The IMD said such weather activity could disrupt normal life and advised residents to exercise caution during periods of intense wind and rain.

Meanwhile, the IMD has also reported a delay in the onset of the southwest monsoon. The monsoon is now expected to reach Kerala between May 28 and June 3, while its arrival in Delhi is projected around June 27. The delayed monsoon could further influence weather conditions in the coming weeks.

Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘poor’ category on Wednesday. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 284, Aya Nagar 156, Bawana 228, DTU 117, IGI Airport (T3) 183, IIT Delhi 184, JNU 146, Narela 254, North Campus 191, Pusa 216, Rohini 251, and Wazirpur 263.

–IANS

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