Thunderstorms, duststorms sweep through Delhi-NCR bringing relief from heat

NEW DELHI: Thunderstorm, heavy rain, and a dust storm swept through Delhi-NCR on Sunday evening, providing much-needed relief from scorching conditions. Weather observations at Safdarjung, showed a maximum temperature of 39.7°C, which is 0.3°C below the average for this time of year but an increase of 4.9°C compared to the previous 24 hours. The minimum temperature was 27.2°C, rising by 1.4°C from the previous day and 0.3°C above the seasonal average.

Delhi experienced its wettest May since records began in 1901, signalling a major shift in summer weather. Rainfall in May has nearly tripled since 1951, rising from an average of 17mm to 52.7mm over the last 30 years, and reaching 95.7mm in the past five years.

The number of dry Mays has halved, while heavy rainfall events have increased sharply. Despite this rise in rain, average temperatures have remained steady around 39.7°C. Experts suggest increased thunderstorms, higher moisture levels, and global warming as possible causes, while rising humidity poses health risks and strains infrastructure.