Weather Changes in Delhi
Delhi experienced a sudden change in weather with cooler air and rain, contrasting the recent heat. This is noteworthy since the emergence of El Niño, a climate phenomenon typically causing weaker monsoons and hotter weather in India, was recently confirmed.
Immediate Weather Events
- A fast-moving squall line developed over Punjab, traveling across Haryana into Delhi-NCR, causing significant weather changes.
- Strong winds, with gusts up to 111 kmph in Sangrur, accompanied light to moderate rainfall in many parts of Punjab and Haryana.
- In Delhi, winds reached up to 65 kmph, and the squall line brought a direct impact on temperatures.
- Safdarjung, Delhi’s base weather station, recorded a minimum temperature drop to 22.8°C, 5.2°C below normal, 7.2°C lower than the previous day.
- Other areas like Palam, Lodhi Road, and Ridge also noted significant temperature drops.
- Rainfall measurements included 12.4 mm at Ayanagar and 11.2 mm at Safdarjung within 24 hours.
Seasonal Patterns and Pre-Monsoon Activity
The recent rains are part of an active pre-monsoon season in North India, characterized by heat, dust storms, thunderstorms, and rapid temperature changes. This is typical before the monsoon onset expected around June 30.
IMD Forecast
- A yellow alert was issued with forecasts of cloudy skies, rain, thunderstorms, and lightning in isolated Delhi regions.
- Expected wind speeds could reach 40-50 kmph, with gusts up to 60 kmph.
- Similar weather conditions are expected to persist before gradually reducing.
El Niño Implications
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed El Niño development, indicating stronger conditions into winter 2026-27. This was based on various indicators like above-average sea surface temperatures and low-level westerly wind anomalies.
- Forecasts suggest a 63% chance of a very strong El Niño during November-January.
- NOAA cautioned that even strong El Niño events might not lead to expected impacts uniformly worldwide, but stronger events increase the likelihood of certain outcomes.
