Delhi saw a slight rise in temperature on Wednesday, with Safdarjung recording 39.1°C—two degrees above normal. Conditions were dry and warm, and the air quality worsened to the ‘poor’ category (AQI 220). No heatwave alert was issued. Meanwhile, Chennai experienced rare April showers due to a cyclonic circulation, bringing intense rainfall in areas like Valsaravakkam (10 cm) and cooling down daytime temperatures by over 3°C. The IMD forecasts light rain to continue in Chennai and surrounding districts. Stay with TOI for latest updates.
Chennai woke to a sultry morning, followed by heavy rainfall by noon. Valsaravakkam recorded 10cm, Nerkundram and Saligramam 9cm each, and Manali 8cm. Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam received 5cm and 3cm, respectively. Daytime temperatures dropped significantly due to the rain: Nungambakkam recorded 31.7°C and Meenambakkam 33.1°C, which are 3.1°C and 2.9°C below normal, respectively. The IMD predicts light showers on Thursday, with temperatures around 36°C (max) and 26°C–27°C (min).
The rain was caused by a cyclonic circulation and a trough over the Gulf of Mannar. Meteorologists linked it to upper air convergence and convection, affecting Chennai and nearby districts like Tiruvallur, Chengalpet, and Kancheepuram.