Delhi Weather: After Mercury Hit 34.3 Degree Celsius On Wednesday, IMD Predicts Rain From Thursday

Light rain is possible in Delhi over the next five to six days as a western disturbance is active over the Himalayan region.

Delhiites woke up to a slightly breezy morning as the weather took a turn from the hot conditions. India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted cloudy skies and occasional showers on Thursday which will keep the maximum temperature in check in Delhi and neighbouring areas.

The Safdarjung Observatory, Delhi's primary weather station, logged a maximum temperature of 34.3 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, five notches more than normal and the highest this year so far. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 33.3 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. 

Light rain is possible in Delhi over the next five to six days as a western disturbance is active over the Himalayan region and it is likely to cause light rain in northwest India over the next few days. The maximum temperature will hover around 30 degrees Celsius, an official at the India Meteorological Department told PTI.

IMD Summer Prediction

IMD has predicted a hotter-than-normal summer in 2023, with temperatures likely to reach 2-3 degree Celsius above normal in some parts of Indo-Gangetic plains and eastern India during the last week of March. The forecast was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba on Tuesday.

According to the IMD, above-normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of northeast, east, and central India, as well as some parts of northwest India. The agency also informed the meeting, convened to review preparedness for the ensuing summer and mitigation measures, that minimum temperatures are more likely to be above normal over most parts of the country except south peninsular India, where normal to below normal temperatures are likely.

The IMD made a presentation on the global weather phenomena and the temperature outlook for the period from March to May, providing a forecast for the second fortnight of March as well. 

Given the IMD's forecast of a hotter-than-normal summer, the cabinet secretary noted that states and union territories need to be adequately prepared to meet the associated challenges, according to an official release.

The warning comes as India faces increasing temperatures and heatwaves in recent years, which have led to water scarcity, power outages, and increased health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.