Light rain swept across parts of Delhi on Sunday morning, bringing some respite from the heat and oppressive humidity that had troubled residents in recent days. Several areas of the national Capital witnessed showers during the morning hours, with cloudy skies providing relatively more comfortable conditions. The change in weather offered temporary relief even as the monsoon continued to produce uneven spells of rainfall across Delhi and the National Capital Region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said conditions were likely to remain generally cloudy on Sunday, with light rain or drizzle expected in the city.
Clouds bring morning relief
The rainfall brought down the discomfort level in several areas after a spell of warm and humid weather. Delhi typically experiences high humidity during the monsoon months, with periods without rain often making conditions particularly uncomfortable despite cloudy skies.
IMD observations on Sunday morning showed humidity remaining high across the Capital. New Delhi recorded a temperature of 27.8 degrees Celsius with relative humidity at 89 per cent, while Palam recorded 27 degrees Celsius and humidity of 89 per cent. Ayanagar registered 28.2 degrees Celsius with 85 per cent humidity.
The showers, therefore, provided welcome relief, although high moisture levels meant muggy conditions could persist when rainfall stopped.
More light rain likely
According to the IMD's city forecast, Delhi is expected to experience a generally cloudy sky with light rain or drizzle on Sunday. The temperature is forecast to remain between 25 and 36 degrees Celsius at one city observatory, with morning relative humidity around 85 per cent. No weather warning has been issued for the day.
Similar conditions are expected on Monday and Tuesday. The weather department has forecast a generally cloudy sky with light rain or drizzle on both days, with maximum temperatures likely to settle around 34 degrees Celsius.
At Ayanagar, the IMD forecast maximum temperatures of around 35 degrees Celsius on Sunday and 33 degrees Celsius on Monday and Tuesday, accompanied by cloudy skies and light rain or drizzle.
Monsoon keeps weather unsettled
The intermittent showers are part of the continuing monsoon activity over Delhi-NCR, where rainfall during this period can vary considerably from one part of the city to another.
While even short spells of rain can bring temperatures down temporarily, the combination of high moisture and warm conditions can cause humidity to rise again once showers subside.
For Delhi residents, however, Sunday's light rain offered a break from the recent discomfort. With the IMD expecting cloudy skies and further light rainfall over the next couple of days, the Capital could continue to see intermittent relief from the late-August heat.