Delhi-NCR likely to see week-long spell of rain and thunderstorms, says IMD

DelhiNCR is expected to witness a week of rainfall and thunderstorm activity bringing continued relief from intense summer heat according to the India Meteorological Department IMDThe weather department has forecast that maximum temperatures across the national capital will remain below the 40 degrees Celsius mark at least until June 5 aided by cloudy conditions and intermittent rainTemperatures Stay Below Seasonal AverageDelhi recorded a maximum temperature of 377 degrees Celsius on Tuesday which was 23 degrees Celsius below the seasonal average The relatively mild weather conditions experienced over the past several days have provided respite to residents from the prolonged summer heatData released by the IMD showed that temperatures remained below normal across most monitoring stations in the cityAyanagar recorded a maximum temperature of 361 degrees Celsius while Safdarjung the citys primary weather station registered a high of 377 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 268 degrees Celsius Lodhi Road recorded 36 degrees Celsius Palam registered 359 degrees Celsius and The Ridge recorded 372 degrees CelsiusAccording to the IMD these readings were between 25 degrees Celsius and 5 degrees Celsius below normal for this time of the yearRain and Thunderstorm Activity to ContinueMeteorologists have forecast continued thunderstorm activity accompanied by rainfall across DelhiNCR over the coming days The weather pattern is expected to keep temperatures under control while improving overall comfort levels in the regionThe anticipated rainfall may also contribute to improved air quality and help reduce heat stress particularly during afternoon hours when temperatures typically peakHowever authorities have advised residents to remain alert for possible traffic disruptions waterlogging in lowlying areas and gusty winds during periods of intense thunderstorm activityWMO Warns of Developing El Nino ConditionsAmid the local weather forecast the World Meteorological Organisation WMO on Tuesday warned that El Nino conditions are developing in the tropical Pacific Ocean and could influence global weather patterns in the coming monthsAccording to the WMO unusually warm ocean temperatures are contributing to the formation of the climate phenomenon which is often associated with shifts in rainfall patterns droughts heatwaves and extreme weather events across different parts of the worldIncreased Risk of Extreme Weather EventsWMO SecretaryGeneral Celeste Saulo said governments and climate agencies should prepare for the possibility of a strong El Nino eventWe need to prepare for a potentially strong El Nino event which will exacerbate drought heavy rainfall and increase the risk of heatwaves both on land and in the ocean Saulo said during a press conference in GenevaShe noted that the previous El Nino episode which occurred between 2023 and 2024 was among the five strongest on record and contributed to exceptionally high global temperatures in 2024Global Monitoring and Early Warning Efforts UnderwayThe WMO said it will closely monitor climate developments in the coming months and provide updates to governments humanitarian agencies and sectors vulnerable to weatherrelated disruptionsSaulo emphasised the importance of seasonal forecasts and early warning systems in helping countries prepare for potential climate impacts and reducing risks to lives infrastructure and economic activityWith inputs from IANS