The national capital and National Capital Region (NCR) experienced unexpected light rainfall in the early morning hours on Wednesday, offering a welcome respite from the unusually high temperatures that had made mid-February resemble early summer conditions.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light rainfall or drizzle was very likely across Delhi and NCR, including areas such as Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Noida, and parts of adjoining Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
The IMD issued a yellow alert for the day, forecasting very light to light rainfall accompanied by isolated thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph, particularly during the forenoon and afternoon. Spells of very light rain with thunderstorms and lightning were possible in the late morning hours, followed by another spell in the afternoon, with conditions improving thereafter.
Daytime maximum temperatures are expected to settle between 26-28°C, with minimums around 13-15°C, marking a noticeable drop from the recent highs.
On Tuesday, February 17, Delhi recorded a maximum of 30.9°C, about 6.5°C above normal. While earlier in the week it touched 31.6°C, the hottest February day so far and the earliest 30°C-plus reading in five years.
WHY DID IT RAIN IN DELHI?
The sudden showers are attributed to an active Western Disturbance affecting northwest India.
As per IMD bulletins, one Western Disturbance lies as a cyclonic circulation over southeast Pakistan and neighbourhoods in lower to upper tropospheric levels, with another over central Pakistan and adjoining Punjab.
These systems bring moisture from the west, leading to cloud formation and precipitation over the plains when combined with pre-existing warm conditions. Such disturbances typically deliver winter rains to northwest India and the Himalayan foothills, though this late-season activity follows a prolonged dry, clear spell that had elevated temperatures 6-7°C above average for mid-February.
The incoming moisture and instability triggered the observed light rains.
The unseasonal shower brought with it a cooler morning and slightly improved air quality. However, the weather caused minor inconveniences, such as potential delays for outdoor activities.
According to forecasts, skies are expected to clear by evening, with conditions returning to normal and temperatures gradually rising again in the coming days.
This event underscores the unpredictable nature of February weather in northern India, where Western Disturbances can still produce surprises even as warmer trends emerge early in the season.
IMD forecasts indicate no major rainfall activity in the immediate days ahead, though residents should stay updated for any shifts.
