Delhi Braces for Stormy End to May: IMD Issues Alerts
New Delhi is preparing for a dramatic finale to May,with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting thunderstorms and rainfall. A western disturbance approaching northwest India is the culprit, prompting the IMD to issue weather alerts. residents should prepare for unsettled conditions as the month draws to a close.
The Forecast in Detail
The IMD anticipates that the approaching western disturbance will bring meaningful weather changes. A fresh western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from May 29. Under its influence, light to moderate rainfall, accompanied with thunderstorm, lightning and winds gusting up to 70km/hr are likely on both Thursday and Friday,
an IMD official stated. This weather pattern could push the monthly rainfall total past 200 millimeters.
Record-Breaking Rainfall
Delhi has already experienced an exceptionally wet May. As of May 28, the city had recorded 186.4 millimeters of rainfall, making it the wettest May on record. This surpasses the previous record of 165 millimeters set in May 2008.
recent Storm Activity
Delhi has been battered by five significant storms this month alone:
- May 2: 77 millimeters of rainfall, a dust storm, and winds up to 80 kilometers per hour.
- May 17: Thunderstorm winds reached 74 kilometers per hour, accompanied by light rain.
- May 15: Dust-raising winds of 40-50 kilometers per hour reduced visibility and increased particulate matter.
- May 21: Winds of 79 kilometers per hour and a short,intense rainfall of 12 millimeters.
- May 25: Winds of 82 kilometers per hour and heavy rainfall of 81.4 millimeters.
Temperature and Humidity
on Wednesday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 38.6 degrees Celsius, two degrees below the seasonal average. Relative humidity ranged from 48% to 85%. The forecast for Thursday indicates continued high humidity, with a maximum temperature between 38 and 40 degrees celsius. Thunderstorms and rainfall are expected in the evening and nighttime.
Monsoon Forecast
The IMD’s monsoon forecast predicts above-normal rainfall for the country from June to September, with 106% of the long-period average (LPA) expected. Northwest India is projected to receive normal monsoon rainfall (92-108% of the LPA), while Delhi, Chandigarh, and Haryana are expected to experience above-normal monsoon conditions, with 114% of the LPA. The normal monsoon mark for these subdivisions is 431 millimeters.
Monsoon Progress
the monsoon is currently advancing faster than average. It reached Kerala on May 24, a week ahead of its normal date, and Mumbai on May 26, weeks ahead of its usual arrival. The IMD is closely monitoring its progress towards Delhi but has not yet specified an arrival date. We are closely monitoring the progress,
an IMD official said.
Air Quality
Delhi’s air quality remained in the “moderate” range, with an air quality index (AQI) of 151 at 4 p.m. Wednesday.Forecasts from the Center’s Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi indicate that the AQI is expected to remain “moderate” until at least Friday.
