Thunderstorm with rain likely to occur in parts of North India, says IMD; special caution for Delhi airport authority

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that an induced cyclonic circulation over north Indian states like Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi could bring some relief to Delhiites from the scorching heat. It said that rainfall could lash Delhi and neighbouring states today. 

Parts of north India in states like Delhi, Rajasthan, and Haryana are likely to receive thunderstorms with light to moderate intensity rain, the India Meteorological Department stated on Thursday. IMD also cautioned that there will be thunderstorms and rains in the adjoining areas of IGI Airport, Lodhi Road, Connaught Place, ITO, Red Fort, and NCR. 

In its previous notifications, IMD has also cautioned that India is likely to experience the hottest summer this year. 

Delhi recorded the maximum temperature settling at 33.4 degrees Celsius, four notches above the season's average on Monday. The city recorded a minimum temperature of 17.1 degrees Celsius, two notches above the season's average. Humidity levels oscillated between 34 per cent and 88 per cent. Before this, the highest maximum temperature recorded in the Capital was 33.6°C on February 20, making it Delhi’s hottest February day since 1969.

"Latest Satellite and radar observations show the movement of an intense convective cloud mass across Punjab, Haryana, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, leading to favourable conditions for light to moderate rainfall with occasional intense spells along with isolated thunderstorms and lightning," tweeted IMD on April 19. 

IMD has also previously predicted that there will be a wet spell over northwest India during April 18-20 with the possibility of a heavy spell over the Western Himalayan Region on April 18 and 19. 

Delhi's 24-hour air quality index continued to be in the poor category. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".