Delhi-NCR Heat Eases Soon; IMD Forecasts Cloudy Skies, Drizzle Likely on Tuesday–Wednesday

By Sarhind Times Weather Bureau

New Delhi: Relief on the Horizon After Scorching September

After enduring the hottest September day in two years, residents of Delhi and the wider NCR can finally look forward to some respite. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), strong easterly winds are expected to bring cloud cover and very light rain or drizzle on Tuesday and Wednesday, marking the beginning of a brief cooldown phase.

The forecast comes as a welcome development after days of relentless heat, with daytime maximums soaring well above seasonal averages.

What the IMD Is Saying

The IMD’s zone bulletin for Delhi and NCR highlights:

“Generally cloudy” skies across most districts.
Light precipitation/drizzle likely in South-West, South-East, and Central Delhi.
Extension of the wet spell into NCR cities like Faridabad, Noida, and Gurugram.
A dip of 4–6°C in maximum temperatures.
A drop of 3–4°C in minimums.

The drizzle is expected to be short-lived but will provide much-needed relief, particularly during the afternoon hours when the heat has been most intense.

Why It Got So Hot in Late September

Meteorologists link the unusual heat to synoptic features over north-west India. Weak monsoon winds, combined with clear skies and strong solar radiation, created conditions more typical of late summer than the transitional post-monsoon period.

“Such spikes are rare but not unheard of. When easterlies stall and dry north-westerlies dominate, temperatures can climb quickly even in late September,” explained an IMD scientist.

Impact on Daily Life

The heat spike has already taken a toll:

Health concerns: Doctors reported a rise in dehydration, fatigue, and respiratory complaints.
Commuters: Roads and metro stations saw higher footfall in shaded waiting areas.
Schools: Many NCR schools advised parents to pack extra water and ORS sachets for children.

The expected drizzle and cloud cover are likely to ease these pressures, though officials caution that humidity swings may cause temporary discomfort for those with asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Health & Safety Advisories

The Delhi health department, in coordination with IMD advisories, recommends:

Stay hydrated: Carry water bottles during commutes.
Avoid peak heat hours: Especially between 12–3 pm.
Watch out for slick roads: Even light drizzle can make underpasses and flyovers slippery.
Respiratory care: Sensitive individuals should carry masks and inhalers as humidity changes may aggravate breathing issues.

Commuter Concerns

Light rain often brings traffic snarls to Delhi-NCR, particularly in areas like AIIMS flyover, Dhaula Kuan, ITO, and underpasses near Connaught Place. Commuters are advised to:

Allow extra travel time on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Use metro services where possible.
Avoid low-lying roads that may experience waterlogging.

Broader Weather Outlook

While the drizzle may cool conditions temporarily, experts caution that this does not signal a monsoon revival. The southwest monsoon is in its withdrawal phase, and rainfall deficits remain significant across north-west India.

However, the transition to post-monsoon conditions usually brings more comfortable weather from early October onward, with declining humidity and steadily falling night temperatures.

Historical Context

Late September heat is not unprecedented:

In September 2021, Delhi touched 38.2°C, one of the hottest late-September days in recent years.
In 2017, post-monsoon anomalies caused similar spikes, followed by sudden showers.

Meteorologists caution that with climate variability, such extreme swings between heat and drizzle may become more frequent.

Voices from the Ground

Ramesh Gupta, commuter from Gurugram: “These last few days have been unbearable. Even AC buses feel warm. If there’s drizzle tomorrow, that will be a blessing.”
Priya Nair, schoolteacher in South Delhi: “We’ve seen more kids feeling exhausted in class. Parents are relieved to hear some relief is on the way.”
Local shopkeeper in Karol Bagh: “Business slows in the afternoon heat. Even a cloudy day helps bring customers back to the market.”

Conclusion

Delhi-NCR’s residents can brace for modest but welcome relief as cloudy skies and drizzle arrive early this week. While not enough to erase seasonal heat entirely, the shift signals the gradual transition toward post-monsoon comfort.

For now, the message is clear: stay hydrated, drive cautiously, and look forward to a cooler breeze on the horizon.

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