New Delhi, April 11, 2025, Weather Update: The scorching heat gripping Delhi-NCR may ease temporarily as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts light drizzles and thunderstorms on Thursday, accompanied by gusty winds blowing at 30–40 km/h. This weather change is attributed to an active western disturbance, which is currently influencing large parts of North India, including the hills of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
According to IMD, the maximum temperature in Delhi is likely to hover around 39°C, while the minimum may drop to about 25°C. With surface winds picking up and some cloud cover expected, residents may experience a brief reprieve from the intense summer heat.
Delhi Battles Early Heatwave
The capital has been grappling with unseasonal heat, with temperatures soaring well above average. On Wednesday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 40.5°C, which is 5.4°C above normal. The minimum temperature stood at 25.6°C, also 5.6°C higher than usual. Bright sunshine from the morning pushed the mercury up rapidly, and by 9 AM, many commuters and outdoor workers were already feeling the heat’s intensity.
The heatwave conditions were particularly severe in four areas — Aya Nagar, Palam, Safdarjung, and Ridge. Aya Nagar emerged as the hottest location with a maximum of 40.9°C, a full 6°C above normal, officially qualifying as a heatwave zone under IMD’s guidelines.
IMD’s Heatwave Criteria Explained
According to meteorologists, a heatwave in Delhi is declared when:
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The maximum temperature crosses 40°C, and
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It remains 4.5°C or more above the normal average.
If this deviation exceeds 6.4°C, it is classified as a severe heatwave. This week, several regions of Delhi have met these criteria, raising concerns for vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, and outdoor workers.
Light Rain and Thunderstorms Predicted
IMD forecasts light showers, thunder, and lightning activity over Delhi-NCR through April 11, providing temporary relief from heatwave conditions. However, this shift is expected to be short-lived, as temperatures are likely to rise again once the western disturbance weakens.
Snowfall in Himachal, Downpours in Uttarakhand
Meanwhile, in the hills:
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Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul-Spiti region witnessed light snowfall on Wednesday, while Kullu saw brief evening showers.
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In Shimla, overcast skies dominated the day, though there was no major precipitation.
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The weather department predicts more unstable conditions across Himachal until April 12, after which the skies are expected to clear.
In Uttarakhand, the weather turned violent. A massive thunderstorm followed by torrential rain hit Tharali in Chamoli district, affecting villages such as Gwaldam, Talwadi, Dungri, and Kulsari. The downpour lasted over three hours, causing damage to infrastructure and creating panic among residents.
Weather Disruption in Uttar Pradesh
Eastern Uttar Pradesh is also likely to experience rain and gusty winds from Thursday, as the western disturbance sweeps across the Indo-Gangetic plains. Over 45 districts, especially in the Terai belt, including Bahraich, Sant Kabir Nagar, and Churk, could see thunderstorms and light rain.
On Wednesday, easterly winds and partly cloudy skies prevailed across the state, with isolated showers observed in parts of eastern UP.
Outlook for the Next Few Days
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Delhi-NCR: Light showers until April 11; temperatures likely to rise after the western disturbance passes.
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Himachal Pradesh: Cloudy skies and possible snow/rain until April 12; clear weather expected from April 13.
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Uttarakhand: Thunderstorms and heavy rain in hilly districts through the weekend.
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Uttar Pradesh: Increasing chance of rain and thunder across eastern districts from Thursday onward.
What You Can Do
With fluctuating weather across the northern belt:
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Stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure during peak afternoon hours.
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If venturing outdoors in hilly or rain-prone areas, carry rain gear and check local advisories.
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Residents in storm-hit regions like Chamoli should remain cautious of landslides or flash floods.
The arrival of a western disturbance has brought dramatic shifts to the weather in North India, turning a brutal heatwave into a scene of rain, wind, and snow — albeit briefly. As the storm system passes over the region, temperatures are expected to climb again, but for now, Delhi and its neighboring states can enjoy a momentary respite.
