Delhi Heatwave Relief: Clouds and Drizzle Break the Scorching Spell
After enduring several days of oppressive heat, Delhi residents finally got a breather on Thursday evening, April 10, 2025. Overhead clouds gathered, followed by a gentle drizzle and a dust-laden breeze in various parts of the capital — a much-welcomed shift that helped ease the sweltering conditions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had already anticipated this turnaround, forecasting moderate showers, thunder, lightning, and winds blowing at 40–50 kmph. True to their prediction, several neighborhoods experienced cooler winds and light rain.
Mercury Dips Slightly After Intense Spell
Despite the brief rain, the day remained hot in many parts. Ridge and Ayanagar saw the day’s peak climb to 40.9°C and 40.2°C respectively, according to the IMD.
The Safdarjung weather station logged a high of 39.6°C — around 4.5 degrees above the average. Palam wasn’t far behind with 39.1°C, and Lodhi Road mirrored Safdarjung’s figures.
As for the nighttime reading, Thursday marked an unusually warm evening at 25.9°C — nearly six degrees above what’s typical for April. It was the warmest April night Delhi has seen in three years. Only in 2022 did the minimum soar slightly higher, to 26.2°C.
Humidity Swings and Air Pollution Linger
Humidity fluctuated throughout the day, peaking at 55% and dipping to 30% by evening. However, the rainfall did little to clear the city’s air. Delhi’s AQI at 4 p.m. stood at 256, firmly in the ‘poor’ bracket, per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
To put that in context: AQI values from 201 to 300 are labeled ‘poor’, while 0–50 is considered ‘good’, and anything above 300 is either ‘very poor’ or ‘severe’.
Temporary Respite from Heatwave
This brief cool spell arrived after Delhi’s first official heatwave of the season began on April 7. Since then, blistering conditions had gripped the city, affecting health, power usage, and daily routines.
The change in weather offered a sigh of relief, especially for outdoor workers, school children, and commuters. Though the discomfort eased a bit, the broader hot spell hasn’t ended yet.
By IMD standards, a heatwave occurs when maximum temperatures hit 40°C in the plains and stay at least 4.5°C above the average. That threshold was crossed earlier in the week.
What to Expect on Friday
Looking ahead, the IMD has forecast a mix of clouds and showers for Friday, April 11. Daytime highs may drop to around 37°C, with night temperatures expected near 24°C. While not a dramatic shift, the slightly milder conditions could bring additional comfort.
Health experts continue to urge caution — staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor exposure during peak hours, and taking care of the vulnerable remain essential precautions.
A Brief Break or a Changing Trend?
While Thursday’s cloud cover and breeze provided short-term comfort, experts say such events are common in April due to western disturbances — systems that drift in from the Mediterranean, bringing moisture and unstable weather to north India.
This recent cool-down likely stems from one such system. Without a lasting pattern change, high temperatures could return soon.
Final Word
Thursday’s overcast skies, cooler winds, and scattered rainfall helped ease the discomfort caused by Delhi’s ongoing heatwave. Though the break may be brief, it gave residents a chance to recharge. With more showers in the forecast, Delhiites can hope for a few more calm days — but summer’s full heat is likely far from over.
