Bringing relief from blistering heat, rain drenches Delhi

After baking in the blistering heat which threw normal life out of gear, the national Capital Thursday witnessed heavy rain and strong winds that brought huge relief to Delhiites. The met office has forecast similar weather Friday.

Some parts of the city witnessed a hailstorm as well. The maximum temperature here was recorded at 41.1 degrees Celsius, two notches above the season's average and the total rainfall received in the city Thursday was 0.8 mm.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in its forecast Thursday morning said the city would see cloudy skies and thunderstorms in some parts, though rainfall was not likely.

However, early afternoon, the skies turned dark and strong winds started blowing in the national capital region. Minutes later, a spell of heavy rain and hailstorm followed.

The showers brought much needed relief from the heat wave that had gripped the city in recent days. The mercury reached a 62-year-high of 47.8 degrees Celsius June 8 in certain parts of the national capital.

The rain did catch a lot of people off guard.

Sunidhi Batra, a college student attending a summer workshop in central Delhi said: "I am completely drenched. I had no idea that it would rain today (Thursday) otherwise I would have carried an umbrella."

"But I am not complaining as the heat is gone. I wish the rain continues all day long," she added.

Many youngsters were seen enjoying the rainfall at India Gate.

"The rainfall has brought much awaited respite from the scorching heat. I was in the metro with my friends when I saw rain and I could not restrain myself. We all decided to go to India Gate and enjoy," Avantika Mehra told IANS. She was going to Delhi University with her friends for admission.

People who were riding two-wheelers were seen taking shelter wherever they could after the sudden downpour in the city and its neighbouring areas.

Delhi experienced a hot morning and the minimum temperature settled three notches above the season's average at 30.5 degrees Celsius.

The Met office has forecast light rain in some parts of the city Friday and the maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 41 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius respectively.

Wednesday's maximum temperature settled four notches above the season's average at 43.6 degrees Celsius while the minimum temperature was recorded three notches above the season's average at 31.2 degrees Celsius.