The national capital experienced a noticeable dip in temperature on Saturday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert warning of light rainfall and gusty winds across the city.
Temperature Falls Below Normal
Safdarjung, Delhi’s base weather station, recorded a minimum temperature of 24.6°C, two degrees below the seasonal average and 0.7 degrees lower than the previous day.
Rain, Thunderstorms and Strong Winds Expected
"There is a yellow alert for the day, warning of possible very light to light rain, accompanied by thunderstorm, lightning and gusty wind of speed 40-50 kmph towards the afternoon and evening," said an IMD official.
Similar weather conditions are expected to continue on Sunday, as the IMD has extended the yellow alert.
Maximum Temperature Likely to Dip
According to the IMD forecast, the maximum temperature is also expected to decline further, ranging between 34°C and 36°C on Saturday.
Air Quality Improves
Delhi’s air quality showed improvement, with the AQI recorded at 82 (satisfactory category) at 9 am on Saturday. This marks a significant improvement from Friday’s 24-hour average AQI of 123 (moderate), as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.
AQI Categories Explained
As per CPCB standards:
0–50: Good
51–100: Satisfactory
101–200: Moderate
201–300: Poor
301–400: Very Poor
401–500: Severe
Weather Fluctuations to Continue
The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) predicts AQI to remain in the moderate category over the coming days. Meanwhile, IMD has indicated continued weather variability in Delhi-NCR due to a western disturbance, cyclonic circulation over Rajasthan and nearby areas, and moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal.
Advisory for Residents
Residents are advised to stay cautious, as strong winds and rainfall may disrupt daily activities and traffic movement in certain parts of the city.
[With agency inputs]