Rain on horizon, heat to reduce: Here's when temperatures will dip in Delhi-NCR
Delhi-NCR is likely to see thunderstorms, dust storms and widespread rain. The shift may bring relief from intense heat but could also cause disruption through strong winds and lightning.
After days of punishing heat across Delhi-NCR, relief may finally be on the horizon.
Weather conditions are expected to shift dramatically from Thursday evening onward, with forecasts pointing to thunderstorms, dust storms and widespread rainfall activity that could pull daytime temperatures below 40 degrees Celsius over the weekend.
Meteorologists say residents will have to endure intense heat for a little longer, at least until Thursday afternoon, before a fresh spell of unstable weather begins developing across north and central India.
The approaching system is expected to trigger strong dust storms accompanied by moderate to heavy thundershowers, bringing a sharp dip in temperatures across the region.
The change could offer much-needed respite to Delhi-NCR, where scorching daytime temperatures and warm nights have kept heat stress levels elevated. Forecast models indicate that once storm activity begins, temperatures are likely to fall significantly from the current highs, with cloud cover, rain and gusty winds helping cool the atmosphere.
However, weather experts have also warned that the incoming relief may come with dangerous conditions. The same storm systems capable of reducing temperatures could intensify into severe thunderstorms with damaging winds, lightning activity and localised disruption.
Authorities and residents have been advised to remain cautious, especially during evening hours when storm activity is expected to peak.
Strong winds during dust storms can uproot trees, disrupt traffic movement and damage temporary structures, while intense lightning and heavy rainfall may create hazardous conditions in several parts of the National Capital Region.
The expected weather shift is part of a broader summer storm outbreak forecast across northern and central India.
Such pre-monsoon thunderstorm activity is common during late May and early June, when extreme daytime heating combines with moisture and atmospheric instability to produce sudden and sometimes violent storms.
For Delhi residents, the forecast brings a mixed picture: relief from relentless heat, but also the possibility of turbulent weather through the weekend. Experts say the coming days may see rapidly changing conditions, with sunny and hot afternoons quickly turning into stormy evenings.
The cooling trend is expected to continue through the weekend if rainfall activity remains widespread. Weather watchers say this could temporarily suppress heatwave conditions in parts of northwest India, although humidity levels may rise after rainfall.
For now, Delhi-NCR waits for the skies to finally break after another blistering stretch of summer heat.