New Delhi, May 2 : Residents of Delhi are currently experiencing noticeable relief from the intense heatwave that gripped the city in April. For Saturday as well, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted partly cloudy skies throughout the day, which is expected to keep the rise in temperature in check. Meanwhile, air quality in the capital remained in the â??moderateâ?? category.

Following rainfall and hailstorms that lashed parts of the city on Thursday, temperatures dropped below normal levels on Friday, making the weather significantly more comfortable compared to the recent heatwave conditions. According to the IMD, the maximum temperature settled at 36.4 degrees Celsius, which is 2.9 degrees below the seasonal average. The minimum temperature was recorded at 22.8 degrees Celsius, also 1.9 degrees below normal.

For Saturday, similar conditions are likely to persist. The IMD has forecast partly cloudy skies, with the maximum temperature expected to range between 38 and 41 degrees Celsius. While the intensity of the heatwave has reduced, residents may still experience some discomfort due to humidity. However, light winds in the evening are likely to bring partial relief.

Weather stations across the national Capital reported lower-than-usual temperatures. Safdarjung, the cityâ??s base station, recorded the dayâ??s highest temperature at 36.4 degrees Celsius. Other areas also witnessed a dip, with Palam recording a maximum of 35.1 degrees Celsius, Lodhi Road 34.6 degrees, Ridge 34.9 degrees, and Ayanagar 35.4 degrees all several degrees below normal.

Minimum temperatures also followed a similar trend across the city. Palam recorded 21.3 degrees Celsius, Lodhi Road 21.8 degrees, Ridge 20.4 degrees, and Ayanagar 21.4 degrees, all below the usual range for this time of the year.

This drop in temperature has come as a welcome respite for residents who had been coping with rising heat over the past few days.

Meanwhile, air quality in the capital remained in the â??moderateâ?? category, with AQI readings recorded at Anand Vihar (136), Aya Nagar (115), Burari Crossing (122), Chandni Chowk (100), Commonwealth Sports Complex (109), DTU (112), Dwarka Sector 8 (131), IIT Delhi (116), JNU (95), Jahangirpuri (157), Mundka (136), Narela (140), North Campus (109), RK Puram (108), Rohini (149), Sonia Vihar (141), and Wazirpur (106).

/IANS