Indian capital New Delhi experienced a refreshing morning on Thursday following an extended period of intense heat.
The India Meteorological Department predicted a generally cloudy sky with the possibility of light rain and gusty winds throughout the day, along with the chance of a duststorm or thunderstorm accompanied by lightning.
A weather update alerted residents to the likelihood of light to moderate intensity rains and gusty winds with speeds of 30-50 km/h over Delhi-NCR and surrounding areas before noon on Thursday.
The department also forecast a partly cloudy sky with a possibility of rain, thunderstorm, or dust storm on Friday and Saturday.
At 8:30am on Thursday, the humidity level was recorded at 67%, with a minimum temperature of 29.6 degrees Celsius and a maximum expected to be around 42 degrees Celsius.
Large parts of northern India, including the national capital, have experienced a prolonged and severe heat wave, leading to an increase in heat stroke casualties. The Centre has advised hospitals to establish special units for treating such patients.
Over the course of the past three days, the police have reported the discovery of the bodies of 50 individuals, who appear to be from underprivileged backgrounds, in and around Delhi. Furthermore, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital at 9am was recorded in the "poor" category with a reading of 214, as per the Central Pollution Control Board.
