The intense heatwave sweeping across large parts of the country has officially abated, bringing much-needed respite to citizens. According to weather experts and the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a drastic drop in temperatures has kept the national capital significantly cooler than normal.
On Sunday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 35.8 degrees Celsius, which is 4.2 degrees below the seasonal average.
Western disturbance alters regional weather
Meteorologists have attributed this sudden shift to rain and thunderstorm activity triggered by an active western disturbance currently hovering over Rajasthan and central Pakistan. Media reports indicate that the city recorded 0.9 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours leading up to Saturday morning. While the current spell of rain is expected to weaken and move away gradually, leading to a slight rise in temperature from Monday, experts emphasize that no heatwave conditions are anticipated in Delhi during the first week of June.
Widespread rain across states; disruptions in hilly terrains
The impact of the changing weather systems is visible across multiple states. The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph for Delhi-NCR, alongside localized heavy showers in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Furthermore, severe thunderstorm activity with squally winds up to 90 kmph has been predicted over northwest, central, and adjoining eastern regions of India.
In Gujarat, scattered to isolated rainfall and thunderstorms are projected over the next six days due to the active weather systems. Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon is making steady progress, with the weather office indicating its potential advancement into parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu over the next three to four days.
While the plains enjoy a break from the scorching heat, the sudden weather transition caused temporary complications in the hill states. In Uttarakhand, a heavy downpour and adverse weather conditions led to the brief suspension of the Kedarnath Yatra, leaving hundreds of pilgrims stranded before the restrictions were lifted later in the day. Conversely, the cooler mountain breeze and pre-monsoon showers have triggered a massive influx of tourists to Shimla, as people flock from high-temperature states like Gujarat to seek comfort in the hills.