NEW DELHI: The capital saw a sudden
dust storm on Wednesday evening followed by heavy rain that brought the mercury down by several notches.
The Safdarjung observatory, considered as the base for weather in the capital, received 13.2mm of rainfall between 5.30pm and 8.30 pm, while several other parts of the capital reported intense showers. Met officials said the rain was caused due to a cyclonic circulation forming over Haryana, which also resulted in the dust storm and is likely to bring more drizzle on Thursday.
“Delhi could see a drizzle in some parts on Thursday as well and the maximum temperature is likely to stay below normal for the next two days. The maximum, however, will start rising once again from May 6. It will touch 41 degrees by May 7,” said Kuldeep Srivastava, scientist at the regional met office.
Met officials say the dust storm hit the capital around 4.30 pm, with Safdarjung recording a maximum speed of 59km/hr at 4.45 pm. A drizzle was reported around parts of the capital around 5.30 pm and the intensity increased by 7pm, during which the temperature fell to around 25 degrees, officials said. Operations were also affected at the IGI airport during the time and 15 flights were diverted.
Delhi had also received light rain on Sunday night due to favourable local conditions like high temperature and moisture. The humidity levels on Wednesday, meanwhile, were between 38-66%, met official said.
Earlier in the day, Delhi had recorded a maximum temperature of 38.3 degrees Celsius , while the minimum was 27 degrees Celsius—two notches above normal. The regional met has forecast cloudy skies on Thursday and the maximum likely to be around 36 degrees Celsius. A drizzle may occur in some parts.
The met department forecast cloudy skies on Thursday too. A drizzle may occur in some parts.