New Delhi, Sep 5 — Delhi-NCR residents woke up to overcast skies and pleasant weather on Saturday as the national Capital and neighbouring areas prepared for another round of rain and thunderstorms.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate showers across the region, with thunderstorm and lightning activity likely during the morning as well as afternoon and evening hours.
The forecast comes a day after Delhi witnessed heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds, with gusts reaching nearly 60 kmph in some parts of the city. Friday's downpour also resulted in waterlogging at several locations, affecting traffic movement and causing inconvenience to commuters.
The IMD attributed the continuing wet conditions to a well-marked low-pressure area positioned over central parts of northern Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas of south Uttar Pradesh. The weather system is expected to remain nearly stationary for the next two days, allowing moisture-laden conditions to persist over Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region.
For Saturday, Delhi is expected to remain generally cloudy, with one or two spells of light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning from the early morning to the forenoon. Another spell of rain and thunderstorm activity is likely during the afternoon and evening, according to the weather department.
The maximum temperature is likely to remain between 29 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected to range from 24 degrees Celsius to 26 degrees Celsius. Both are likely to remain lower than the previous day's levels due to the continuing rainfall.
Noida is also likely to experience cloudy conditions and intermittent rain. The district-wise forecast indicates one or two spells of light to moderate showers with thunderstorms during the morning, followed by another spell in the afternoon or evening.
Similar conditions have been forecast for Gurugram, where cloudy skies and thunderstorms are expected in two spells. The first spell is likely from the early morning to the forenoon, while another round may occur during the afternoon and evening.
Ghaziabad is also expected to receive rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning at different times during the day. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 34.9 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 27.1 degrees Celsius during the previous 24-hour period.
Faridabad, too, is likely to remain under the influence of the weather system, with rain and thunderstorms expected during the morning and evening. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 34.4 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 28.3 degrees Celsius, along with 4.5 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours.
According to the extended forecast, rainfall is expected to gradually decline from September 6, when only very light showers are likely. From September 7 to September 10, weather conditions are expected to turn mainly dry, with partly cloudy skies.
The wind direction is also forecast to shift from southeasterly to northwesterly, indicating the gradual establishment of drier conditions. As the rain-bearing system moves away, temperatures are expected to rise gradually, with maximum readings returning to around 33 degrees Celsius-35 degrees Celsius.
The IMD has advised commuters to remain cautious, warning of possible traffic disruptions, water accumulation in low-lying areas and an increased risk of road accidents during periods of heavy rain. Residents have been advised to check traffic conditions before travelling and follow official traffic advisories.