Delhi to Stay Cool This Weekend; IMD Predicts Gradual Rise in Temperature After Today

New Delhi, May 30 (IANS) Delhi residents will get a welcome break from the scorching summer heat this weekend. Temperatures will remain below seasonal norms due to cloudy skies and intermittent weather activity. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a gradual rise in temperatures after Saturday, indicating warmer conditions in the national capital.The National Capital Region experienced relief from the heat after strong winds, thunderstorms, and light rain swept across Delhi-NCR on Thursday evening. Friday remained cloudy and cooler, with a significant drop in temperatures and improved air quality across Delhi-NCR.The IMD reported a 5-degree Celsius drop in maximum temperature in Delhi over the past 24 hours. Although no heatwave conditions were recorded on Thursday, temperatures soared above 45 degrees Celsius at several locations on May 27. The mercury touched 45.6 degrees Celsius at Ridge, 44.4 degrees Celsius at Ayanagar, and 44.3 degrees Celsius at Safdarjung.The IMD stated that the maximum temperature will remain lower until May 30 before gradually rising by 6 to 7 degrees Celsius over the following five days. Delhi has already experienced two significant heatwave spells this summer, with the first occurring between April 23 and 25, and the second between May 18 and 21.The city has logged only one official heatwave day on April 25 and May 19, when the maximum temperature reached 42.8 degrees Celsius and 45.1 degrees Celsius, respectively. On Friday, the maximum temperature at Safdarjung settled at 36.8 degrees Celsius, which was four degrees below the seasonal average.The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Delhi on Saturday and Sunday, forecasting light rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds. The department expects relief from extreme heat to continue over the next two to three days before temperatures begin climbing again.The weather change follows several days of severe heat, with temperatures crossing the 45-degree Celsius mark at multiple weather stations across the city. According to IMD data, maximum temperatures on Thursday were around 3 to 5 degrees Celsius lower than those recorded a day earlier.Strong overnight winds accompanied the rainfall, with the highest wind speed of 61 kmph recorded at Palam. The thunderstorms and gusty winds provided relief from the heat and contributed to a noticeable improvement in Delhi's air quality.The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reported that Delhi's daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) improved significantly from 207 on May 28 to 123 on May 29. In view of the improved air quality and favourable meteorological conditions, the CAQM's Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) revoked all actions under Stage-I across the NCR with immediate effect.Meanwhile, the IMD, in its latest monsoon briefing, said that the southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall over India is expected to be around 90 per cent of the Long Period Average this year. While northeastern states are likely to receive normal rainfall during the monsoon season, most other parts of the country may witness below-normal precipitation.