Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Parts of Delhi recorded light rain on Friday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of further showers due to an active western disturbance. The city could experience one or two spells of light rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph during the early to forenoon hours, officials said.Thursday had been unusually warm, with the mercury soaring to 27.1°C, about seven degrees above normal, marking the warmest January day in seven years. The high temperature was attributed to persistent warm easterly winds and clear skies, which increased sunshine hours. “Westerly winds are cold, while easterly winds are warm during this time of the year,” a weather official explained.With multiple spells of rain expected on Friday, the temperature is likely to drop. Officials said the maximum temperature is forecast to fall to 18-20°C on Friday and further to 16-18°C on Saturday. The rainy spells, accompanied by cloud cover, are also expected to bring down Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) to the poor category on Friday and to moderate by Saturday, if the predictions hold true.The IMD has issued a yellow alert for rain across the city. “Another round of very light to light rain is likely towards the afternoon or evening on Friday,” officials added, advising residents to remain cautious of strong winds and localized thunderstorms.
