In a respite from the heatwave conditions plaguing Delhi, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds over the next three days, while putting a yellow alert in place for the national capital.

Temperatures are also likely to dip over east and central India with light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds over states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Sikkim, East Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh.

Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 26.8 degrees Celsius, 2.1 notches above the season’s average, on Thursday morning, with maximum temperature expected to settle around 37 degrees Celsius. The weather office said thunderstorm with rain is likely.

The air quality was recorded in the ‘moderate’ category as the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 167 at 9 am, as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

A fresh and active Western disturbance is likely to impact Northwest India from May 2. Under its influence, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltistan, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand will experience light to moderate rainfall coupled with heavy winds and lightning.

A dust storm accompanied with gusty winds is also very likely at isolated places over Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab and Rajasthan.

Cooler days ahead for Mumbai

IMD has forecasted pre-monsoon rain and thunderstorm in the city and neighbouring districts starting May 4. It also predicted a rise in temperature over the weekend, with temperature soaring up to 35 degree Celsius between Friday and Saturday.

A yellow warning has been alerted for several districts of Vidarbha region owing to possibility of thunderstorms, gusty winds and lightning.

Heatwave alert

Meanwhile, the IMD has issued a heatwave alert for isolated pockets of Jammu division and parts of Rajasthan.

Hot and humid weather is also likely to prevail over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Yanam. Gujarat and Maharashtra may also experience dry spells of heat coupled with humidity.