New Delhi, June 20 (IANS) Residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), who have been grappling with intense summer heat, may experience some respite over the coming days as weather conditions turn favourable for rain and thunderstorms. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across the region on Saturday.

According to the weather office, Delhi is expected to witness partly cloudy skies during the day, followed by light rain or thundershower activity during the afternoon and evening hours. Winds are likely to blow at speeds of 40-50 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 60 kmph in some areas.

While no major change in daytime temperatures is expected during the next 24 hours, the minimum temperature may witness a slight dip before rising again. The maximum temperature in the national Capital is likely to remain between 37 and 39 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected to hover between 25 and 27 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologists have attributed the changing weather pattern to the influence of a western disturbance and favourable local weather systems. These conditions are expected to support pre-monsoon rainfall and thunderstorm activity across Delhi-NCR through June 21, helping keep temperatures relatively lower than those recorded in recent weeks.

The IMD said intermittent showers, cloudy skies and occasional thunderstorms are likely to continue across the region until Sunday. Daytime temperatures are expected to remain comparatively comfortable due to increased cloud cover and moisture-laden winds.

The latest forecast also points to a gradual revival of the southwest monsoon after nearly two weeks of slow advancement and below-normal rainfall across several parts of the country. Weather experts expect rain-bearing systems to strengthen over Central India in the coming days, improving rainfall activity in areas that have been awaiting widespread monsoon showers.

The Meteorological Department has issued a weather alert for 19 states, warning of rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds over the next several hours.

Wind speeds may reach between 50 and 70 kmph in some locations. At the same time, heavy rainfall has been forecast for Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim over the next 8 to 48 hours, raising concerns about waterlogging and localised disruptions.

Despite the expected improvement in weather conditions, Delhi’s air quality continued to remain in the poor category at several monitoring stations.

According to official data, Anand Vihar recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 223, while IIT Delhi registered 203. Other locations reporting elevated AQI levels included Pusa (194), Wazirpur (190), Dwarka Sector-8 (178), Vivek Vihar (161), Ashok Vihar (156), Sonia Vihar (146), Nehru Nagar (144), Bawana (143), JNU (133), Chandni Chowk (135) and DTU (124).

–IANS

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