KKN Gurugram Desk | After a prolonged dry spell and rising heat, Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) finally experienced some weather relief with light to moderate rainfall on Thursday. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), similar weather is expected to continue over the next couple of days with intermittent showers, cloudy skies, and gusty winds.

A yellow alert has been issued for May 9, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and wind speeds reaching up to 50 km/h in isolated parts of Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and surrounding areas. The rainfall brought temporary relief from high temperatures, with several localities witnessing a dip in both maximum and minimum readings.

Rainfall Brings Respite Across Delhi and Ghaziabad

On May 8 (Thursday), several areas in Delhi reported light drizzle, including Lodhi Road and Mayur Vihar. In Ghaziabad, neighborhoods like Nandgram, Vijaynagar, Govindpuram, and Shastrinagar experienced moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds and brief thunderstorms.

In many parts of Old Ghaziabad, rain began around 5:30 PM and lasted for nearly 30 minutes. While some areas saw heavy rain, others experienced light showers or cloudy skies. However, strong winds uprooted trees and disrupted electricity in parts of the city due to fallen power lines.

Temperature Overview: Below Normal Across Delhi

The rain not only improved air quality but also had a cooling effect on regional temperatures. According to IMD data from the Safdarjung Observatory, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 37.3°C, which is 2 degrees below the normal average. The minimum temperature was logged at 24.6°C, 0.5 degrees below normal.

Meteorologists believe this downward trend in temperature will continue over the next 48 hours, especially as cloud cover increases and wind patterns shift.

Wind Alert: Gusts May Touch 50 km/h

The IMD forecast warns that wind speeds may temporarily spike to 50 kilometers per hour during thunderstorms. Under normal circumstances, wind speeds are expected to range between 30 to 40 km/h across the region, especially during early morning and late evening hours.

These winds are likely to cause localized power outages, treefall incidents, and transport disruptions, especially in open or poorly managed construction areas. Commuters are advised to exercise caution during peak gust periods, particularly in Noida, Greater Noida, Faridabad, and Gurgaon.

IMD Forecast: What to Expect in Coming Days

May 9 Forecast (Yellow Alert):

• Cloud cover to remain persistent throughout the day

• Scattered light to very light rainfall expected in multiple sectors

• Thunderstorm and lightning likely in isolated areas

• Wind speeds: 30–40 km/h, may temporarily increase to 50 km/h

• Maximum temperature: 34°C to 36°C

• Minimum temperature: 25°C to 27°C

May 10 Forecast:

• Partly cloudy skies expected

• Light rain in southern and eastern zones of Delhi

• Wind speeds: 10–20 km/h, may peak up to 30 km/h

• No weather warning issued yet

May 11 Forecast:

• Weather to remain partly cloudy

• Light to moderate winds: 15–25 km/h, occasionally reaching 35 km/h

• Slight chances of early morning drizzle in outer Delhi areas

Public Advisory: Precautions Amid Weather Change

In view of the wind and rainfall forecast, residents across Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram are advised to:

• Avoid open construction zones or weak structures during heavy winds

• Secure loose outdoor items such as umbrellas, hoardings, and tents

• Drive cautiously during rainfall, particularly in low-visibility areas

• Avoid parking vehicles under trees or near unstable electric poles

• Use weather apps and IMD bulletins for timely updates

Parents are also advised to monitor outdoor play for children and avoid taking elderly persons out during late evening hours when conditions may deteriorate quickly.

Rain Impacts: Disruptions in Ghaziabad

In Ghaziabad, rainfall and storm winds created multiple civic issues:

• Waterlogging in parts of Nandgram, Rajnagar, and Old City

• Fallen trees in residential zones led to blocked roads

• Power outages in several colonies due to snapped power lines

• Traffic congestion on Delhi-Meerut Expressway due to reduced visibility

Local authorities are working with municipal teams and electricity boards to restore services, but residents have been advised to be prepared for short-term disruptions over the weekend.

Climate Context: Normal May or a Pattern Shift?

Meteorologists point out that early May rains in Delhi are not uncommon, but the combination of strong winds and temperature dips indicate an active Western Disturbance in the northern plains. While pre-monsoon showers are not yet officially underway, this pattern could signal an early or more active transition period.

Experts from IMD and Skymet Weather suggest this system may linger for another 48 to 72 hours before weakening, although newer disturbances could follow, depending on atmospheric conditions over the Himalayan foothills.

Weather and Pollution: A Brief Relief for Delhi

The rain has temporarily improved air quality in Delhi-NCR. AQI levels, which were fluctuating between 180–210 (moderate to poor), dropped to 120–140 in several localities post-rain, especially around South Delhi and East Delhi.

However, experts caution that unless sustained rain occurs over multiple days, pollution levels could rebound quickly due to dust resuspension and vehicular activity.

While the rain has brought a much-needed break from the scorching heat and rising pollution, Delhi-NCR residents should remain cautious due to the possibility of strong winds and localized thunderstorms. The IMD’s yellow alert for May 9 should be taken seriously by commuters, civic authorities, and event planners.