New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed parts of the National Capital Region under weather alerts, warning of rain and thunderstorms on Thursday evening. Noida and Ghaziabad are under an orange alert, while Delhi is under a yellow alert. Outer NCR areas such as Meerut face a red alert.
Skies turned grey across several parts of the region, indicating a possible storm. According to IMD, areas under a red alert may witness moderate to severe thunderstorms. Regions under an orange alert could see moderate storms, while yellow alert zones are likely to receive light rain and thunderstorms.
Temperature and forecast details
Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 25.4 degrees Celsius at Safdarjung on Thursday morning. IMD has forecast thunderstorms with rain at isolated places later in the day. Among other weather stations, Palam recorded 24.9 degrees Celsius, Lodhi Road 23.6 degrees Celsius, Ridge 25 degrees Celsius, and Ayanagar 24.1 degrees Celsius.
The maximum temperature is expected to reach around 36 degrees Celsius. Thunderstorms and light rain may occur in isolated areas, according to the IMD morning bulletin.
The city’s Air Quality Index stood at 136, placing it in the moderate category. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between 101 and 200 falls under this category.
April brings mixed weather trends
Delhi experienced varied weather conditions throughout April this year. The month saw spells of rain, periods of heat, and relatively cleaner air. Data shows that this has been the wettest April in 18 years, with 27.9 mm of rainfall recorded so far. In comparison, April 2008 saw 38.6 mm of rainfall.
Despite phases of heat, the city also recorded one of its coolest Aprils in two years. The average maximum temperature stayed close to 37 degrees Celsius. Only one heatwave day occurred during the month.
Cleaner air due to rain
Rain and gusty winds helped reduce pollution levels. April 2026 turned out to be the cleanest in four years. The average AQI stood at 179 till April 28, with one satisfactory day, 17 moderate days, and 10 poor days.
In comparison, April last year had an average AQI of 210. Data shows 10 moderate and 20 poor days. In 2024, the AQI was 182, while in 2023 it was 180. The year 2022 recorded a higher AQI of 255 with several poor days.