Delhi weather update: Rain brings relief from heat, red alert issued till 5 pm

Heavy rain and strong winds swept across Delhi on Friday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for the national capital until 5 pm.

The weather changed as the city continued preparations for the BRICS Summit, which is scheduled for September 12 and 13. Several parts of central and north Delhi, including areas around Parliament Street and Bharat Mandapam, received light to moderate rain.

IMD forecasts more rain

In its 1 pm update, the IMD said several parts of Delhi could receive light to moderate rainfall of up to 15 mm per hour. Some areas could also record heavy rainfall exceeding 15 mm per hour over the next few hours.

The weather office has forecast multiple spells of rain during September 12 and 13. On Saturday, the first day of the BRICS Summit, very light to light rain along with thunderstorms and lightning is expected at many places from early morning to forenoon. Another spell of light to moderate rain is likely from evening to night.

Monsoon axis driving rainfall

Meteorologist Navdeep Dahiya attributed the rainfall to the monsoon axis passing over the city.

“In the north, since the monsoon axis will quickly move down, easterlies will take over from tomorrow (Friday) onwards; parts of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, and Rajasthan are expected to receive a passing spell of moderate rains in the afternoon and evening hours starting tomorrow (Friday) into the weekend. Although these spells are going to be mostly localised, with general coverage of 30-40%, not everyone in the plains will receive rain from this spell,” he said.

The rain is also expected to bring down temperatures. Delhi recorded a maximum of 36.6°C on Thursday, but the temperature is likely to remain below 33°C from Saturday.

Delhi's AQI rises to 134

The recent lack of rain had also contributed to a rise in Delhi's air pollution levels. The Central Pollution Control Board recorded an overall AQI of 134, in the “moderate” category, on Thursday. It was the city's highest since July 19, when the AQI stood at 171.

According to the CPCB, an AQI of 101-200 is classified as “moderate”.