Delhi braces for continued heat; IMD thunderstorm alert

By FnF Correspondent | PUBLISHED: 17, Apr 2025, 8:52 am IST | UPDATED: 17, Apr 2025, 8:52 am IST

India's national capital on Wednesday, April 16, recorded a maximum temperature of 39.1°C, exceeding the seasonal average by 2.3 degrees, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The minimum temperature settled at 23.4°C, also above the average by 1.8 degrees. Humidity levels fluctuated throughout the day, standing at 50% in the morning and dropping to 34% by late afternoon.

For Thursday, the IMD forecasts similar weather, with temperatures likely to hover around 40°C during the day and 25°C at night. While there is no significant relief expected from the heat, cloudy skies and gusty winds are anticipated by evening, possibly providing temporary respite

Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 220 at 4 PM on Wednesday, placing it in the "moderate" category. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classifies AQI levels from 0–50 as ‘good’, 51–100 ‘satisfactory’, and 101–200 ‘moderate’, with anything above 200 indicating deteriorating air conditions.

The IMD has issued an all-India alert for thunderstorms and rainfall due to five active cyclonic circulations developing across different regions. These weather systems are expected to influence various parts of the country over the next 24 to 48 hours, particularly in eastern and northeastern India.

Western Rajasthan

Southern Madhya Pradesh (Central region)

Gulf of Mannar

Bay of Bengal & Tamil Nadu coastline

Western Assam

These systems are likely to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh, starting today and extending into the weekend. Northeastern states including Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura are also expected to receive significant rain and thunderstorms through April 17.

Despite the rainfall forecasts, the IMD has warned of heat wave conditions in parts of western Rajasthan and Gujarat on April 18. A humid heat alert has also been issued for regions including Marathwada, Goa, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and central Maharashtra.