The national capital is heading for a week-long wet spell. Rain and thundershowers of varying intensity and duration are likely between 27th Apr and 03rd May. Sustained cloud cover and restricted sunshine are likely during this period. Mercury is going to drop over the weekend. Oppressive heat will abate and better comfort levels will prevail, both during day and night.
Unlike the typical warm April of pre-monsoon, weather conditions largely remained serene, except on a few days during the middle of the month. Mercury breached the 40-degree mark on 4 days between the 15th and 18th of April, with the highest of 40.6 degrees on the 17th of April. Compared to last year, the heat factor was minuscule and the temperatures remained below the average for more than 20 days during the month.
The mean maximum temperature was around 35.5 degrees between the 01st and 26th of April, about a notch below the monthly average of 36.5 degrees. The capital city has already recorded 19.5mm of rainfall against the monthly normal of 12.5mm. Few more showers are expected in the remaining days of the month.
A pair of western disturbances will move across the mountains over the next week. The induced cyclonic circulation over Rajasthan and Punjab is likely a support feature. The combined influence of the two systems will keep the pre-monsoon activity kicking across the plains of north India and extend to reach the national capital Delhi and its suburbs. A very light and brief spell is expected on the 27th and 28th of April, both towards late night or wee hours. Subsequently, on the 29th and 30th of April, a few moderate showers can also be expected. The spread, intensity and duration of rain and thundershowers will increase between the 01st and 03rd of May.
Lightning strikes and gusty strong winds may also accompany them. Inclement weather conditions may also include some chance of hailstorm in some areas. A brief 'break' is likely on 04th May and weather conditions may repeat another round from 05th May onward. The wet spell will keep the oppressive heat in abeyance and offer a decent comfort level till the first week of May.
