Unusual weather system triggers severe chill in Delhi: Experts

Delhi-NCR woke up to rain and a yellow alert on Friday, as a sudden weather shift brought back a winter-like chill. The minimum temperature dropped to 16°C, which is 4.5°C below normal levels. Residents once again reached for warm clothing as conditions turned unexpectedly cool. This change came just as the region was transitioning toward the summer season.

A “rare” western disturbance triggered the sudden change, bringing rainfall across Delhi and nearby areas. Cities such as Ghaziabad, Noida, Faridabad, and Gurugram also experienced showers and cooler weather. The system intensified from Wednesday evening and spread across northwest India. As a result, temperatures in the capital stayed significantly below average.

Meteorological data showed that scattered rainfall and strong winds kept the city cool on Thursday as well. The maximum temperature fell to 26.8°C, marking the first time in nearly a month that it dipped below 30°C. This reading stood 4.7°C below normal and was the lowest daytime temperature recorded since February 24. The persistent cloud cover and rainfall contributed to the unusual cooling.

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Rare weather system triggers sudden chill and rain in Delhi-NCR

Weather experts described the system as highly unusual due to its structure and intensity. They noted the presence of a long trough line stretching nearly 1,000 kilometers, which is rarely observed. This formation increased the chances of thunderstorms and heavy rain across multiple regions. Experts urged people to stay cautious and follow official weather advisories.

Forecasts indicated that the active western disturbance would continue to influence weather conditions for several hours. Experts predicted intermittent spells of moderate to heavy rainfall across Delhi-NCR and nearby regions. They also warned of possible waterlogging in low-lying areas and “cold day” conditions in some locations. Meanwhile, the system was expected to shift gradually toward eastern parts of India.

Observers tracking weather patterns highlighted the scale of the disturbance, calling it one of the most extensive systems they had seen. Satellite imagery showed widespread coverage, indicating strong atmospheric activity. Experts also suggested that more such systems could arrive later in March. However, the intensity of upcoming disturbances remains uncertain.

Despite the current relief from rising temperatures, officials stated that the cooler conditions would not last long. Forecasts suggest that temperatures will begin to rise again as the system weakens. The maximum temperature may reach around 31°C by Sunday and climb further to 32°C early next week. This indicates that the region will likely return to warmer conditions by the end of the month.

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