New Delhi, 15 June (HS): Delhi is likely to witness spells of light rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds during the week, even as the maximum temperature is expected to rise and may touch 44 degrees Celsius by the weekend, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The IMD has forecast very light to light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds on Monday afternoon or evening and again on Saturday. Thunderstorm activity is also expected on Tuesday afternoon, while partly cloudy skies are likely to prevail through most of the week.

Despite the possibility of rain, the weather department has indicated that maximum temperatures are likely to increase gradually during the week. The maximum temperature is expected to reach between 42 degrees Celsius and 44 degrees Celsius by Saturday.

The city's maximum temperature on Sunday was recorded at 38.5 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature stood at 26.2 degrees Celsius and is expected to rise to between 30 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius by the weekend.

According to weather experts, isolated thunderstorm activity and the continuation of northwesterly winds over northwestern India are likely to contribute to the gradual rise in temperatures over the coming days.

Delhi also recorded high humidity levels on Sunday, ranging between 38 per cent and 81 per cent, resulting in an increase in the heat index or the feels-like temperature.

Meanwhile, the city's air quality deteriorated to the moderate category on Sunday. The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 151.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar