Weather flips in Delhi-NCR: Hailstorm, rain break heatwave spell

NEW DELHI: Delhi-NCR witnessed a sudden weather shift on Thursday afternoon, with a hailstorm and rain bringing much-needed relief from heatwave conditions.Dark clouds enveloped large parts of the region as rain and storm activity began around 3.30pm.The change comes even as the city remained under a “yellow alert” for heatwave conditions.While April did see heatwave spells, average temperatures were lower compared to the same period last year.Several parts of the region witnessed intense rain spell accompanied by hail. The showers helped bring down surface heat, while a noticeable drop in temperature made the air cooler.The impact of the change was visible across various NCR cities, where residents stepped out of their homes to enjoy the pleasant weather and cool breeze.Meteorological officials said intermittent rain and overcast conditions at the beginning and end of the month helped prevent a sharper rise in average temperaturesIMD's data shows that the city recorded four rainy days between April 1 and 8 this year when the maximum temperature mostly stayed below normal. Though it started rising from April 9, the mercury crossed the 40-degree mark on April 16 for the first time this year.