Hailstorm, rain bring relief from heatwave in Capital

Capital witnessed a sudden change in weather on Thursday afternoon as a hailstorm accompanied by rain swept across large parts of the city, bringing much-needed relief from prevailing heatwave conditions.

Dark clouds gathered over the Capital around 3.30 pm, followed by intense spells of rain and hail in several areas. The showers led to a noticeable drop in temperature, cooling the air and providing respite to residents after days of soaring heat.

Despite the relief, the maximum temperature remained high, with the Safdarjung Observatory recording 39.9°C—slightly higher than the previous day. The minimum temperature stood at 25.4°C. Other stations also reported similar conditions, with Palam recording a maximum of 39.5°C, while Lodhi Road and Ridge stations recorded 38.8°C and 39°C, respectively.

Weather officials said the rain helped improve air quality, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 148 in the ‘moderate’ category by the Central Pollution Control Board at 4 pm.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast partly cloudy skies for the next two days, with maximum temperatures likely to hover between 39 and 42°C. From May 3 onwards, conditions are expected to turn generally cloudy, with the possibility of very light to light rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.

Stronger weather activity is likely between May 4 and 5, when light rain with gusty winds reaching 25–35 kmph, and gusts up to 45 kmph, may occur, potentially bringing further relief from the heat.