Delhi will wake up to an unusually cool and wet Monday as the first strong western disturbance of the season swept across northwest India. The capital recorded a maximum temperature of 26.5°C, making it the coolest October day in a year and providing a sharp, early respite from the heat. Meanwhile, the weather system continues to impact other regions, with the Darjeeling area in West Bengal still grappling with the dangerous aftermath of recent torrential rains, including landslides and flooding.
What Caused Delhi’s Sudden Temperature Drop?
The weather has changed dramatically due to an active western disturbance, a weather system that originated in the Mediterranean region and moved across northern India.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a strong western disturbance affected northwest India from October 6, bringing widespread rainfall to Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR). This system also caused fresh snowfall in the upper Himalayas.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that the 26.5°C maximum was eight degrees below the normal average for this time of year. This marks the lowest October maximum since October 17, 2023, when the city recorded 26.2°C.
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How Much Rain Did Delhi Actually Receive?
The rainfall was significant and well-distributed. Delhi’s base weather station at Safdarjung recorded 10.3 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 am on Monday. An additional 3.4 mm was recorded in the following nine hours, with areas like Mayur Vihar receiving 5 mm and Lodhi Road seeing 3.7 mm. This has already pushed October’s total rainfall to 65.5 mm, classified as “excess” and far exceeding the monthly normal of just 15.1 mm.
What is the Forecast for the Coming Days?
IMD department has predicted that light rain will continue through Tuesday, albeit with reduced intensity. A more significant change is expected from Wednesday, as cold northwesterly winds from the snow-clad Himalayas are forecast to reach the plains. As a result, evening temperatures will probably continue to drop, possibly falling below 20°C. The maximum temperature is expected to rise slightly to between 27°C and 29°C from Wednesday.
What Other Regions Are Being Affected?
The same weather system has triggered fresh snowfall in the upper Himalayas. In a contrasting and severe impact, the Darjeeling region is facing ongoing crises of landslides and flash floods following earlier heavy downpours that triggered a red alert. Key roads remain blocked, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Elsewhere, cities like Mumbai and Kolkata also experienced rainy weather, while Lucknow and Ahmedabad saw relatively warmer conditions.
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Weather Updates for the Other Cities:
Lucknow: The temperature is warm, reaching a high of 33°C and a low of 25°C.
Jaipur: Easterly winds and pleasant temperatures of 21.8°C are anticipated.
Kolkata: With a high of 32°C and a low of 26°C, there will be strong thunderstorms.
Hyderabad: With a high of 32°C and a low of 22°C, a considerable temperature fluctuation is anticipated.
Mumbai: With highs of 28°C and lows of 25°C, there is some light rain, but the skies should clear up shortly.
Ahmedabad: With highs of 34°C and lows of 24°C, it is comparatively warmer than the other metro areas.
Pune: Pleasant conditions with a high of 32°C and a low of 21°C.
Bengaluru: Partly cloudy skies with a slight chance of rain (25%), a high of 28°C, and a low of 21°C.
Chennai: Scattered thunderstorms are expected, with a high of 31°C and a low of 27°C.
Positive Outcome from the Rains?
The rain and strong winds led to a marked improvement in Delhi’s air quality. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was 105 (‘Moderate’) on Monday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which is a considerable improvement from 159 the day before. According to the early warning system, the AQI will move into the “Satisfactory” category on Tuesday, providing citizens of the capital with a little reprieve from polluting air.
Disclaimer: Weather data and forecasts are based on information from the India Meteorological Department and other official sources.
