A massive dust storm followed by heavy rain hit several parts of Delhi-NCR on Wednesday evening, after a hot and humid day where the "feels like" temperature touched a scorching 50.2 degrees Celsius.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the actual maximum temperature during the day was 40.7°C, slightly above normal, while the humidity levels ranged between 64% and 34%.
IMD said a cyclonic circulation over Haryana and its neighbouring areas, embedded in an east-west trough extending from Punjab to Bangladesh in the lower tropospheric levels, is influencing the weather. Moisture is feeding into the system from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, it added.
What is ‘feels like’ temperature?
The "feels like" temperature, or heat index, is a measure of how hot it really feels when you combine the air temperature with humidity. The IMD explained that this is calculated using a formula that factors in both temperature and moisture in the air.
Hottest night of the season so far
The city also saw its warmest night of the season, with the minimum temperature at 30.2°C, 3.5 degrees above the usual level. This made conditions even more uncomfortable for residents.
What’s the weather forecast?
The IMD has predicted a partly cloudy sky for Thursday with chances of thunder and lightning. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to be around 40°C and 29°C, respectively.
Air quality in poor category
The air quality also worsened due to the dust storm. At 4 p.m., the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 213, which falls in the ‘poor’ category.
As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the actual maximum temperature during the day was 40.7°C, slightly above normal, while the humidity levels ranged between 64% and 34%.
IMD said a cyclonic circulation over Haryana and its neighbouring areas, embedded in an east-west trough extending from Punjab to Bangladesh in the lower tropospheric levels, is influencing the weather. Moisture is feeding into the system from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, it added.
VIDEO | Hailstorm and heavy rainfall in Delhi bring sigh of relief for Delhiites from the scorching heat. Visuals from Chanakyapuri
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 21, 2025
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/BJlkSagnBy
What is ‘feels like’ temperature?
The "feels like" temperature, or heat index, is a measure of how hot it really feels when you combine the air temperature with humidity. The IMD explained that this is calculated using a formula that factors in both temperature and moisture in the air.
Hottest night of the season so far
The city also saw its warmest night of the season, with the minimum temperature at 30.2°C, 3.5 degrees above the usual level. This made conditions even more uncomfortable for residents.
What’s the weather forecast?
The IMD has predicted a partly cloudy sky for Thursday with chances of thunder and lightning. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to be around 40°C and 29°C, respectively.
Air quality in poor category
The air quality also worsened due to the dust storm. At 4 p.m., the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 213, which falls in the ‘poor’ category.
As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):
- 0–50 is considered 'good'
- 51–100 is 'satisfactory'
- 101–200 is 'moderate'
- 201–300 is 'poor'
- 301–400 is 'very poor'
- 401–500 is 'severe'
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