Delhi-NCR finally received the much-awaited rainfall on Thursday, as thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate showers lashed several parts of the national capital and its surrounding areas in the evening.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted generally cloudy skies over Delhi-NCR with one or two spells of very light to light rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds reaching 60-70 kmph, gusting up to 80 kmph, during the evening and night at many places.

The rains brought significant relief to residents after days of severe heatwave conditions, with temperatures hovering above 44 degrees Celsius.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rainfall occurred under the influence of a Western Disturbance and an upper-air cyclonic circulation.

Parts of Delhi witnessed intense thunderstorm activity, with strong winds gusting up to 60-70 kmph.

Many areas reported light to moderate rainfall, leading to a sharp drop in temperatures and improved air quality.

The Regional Meteorological Centre had forecast partly cloudy skies turning generally cloudy by the evening of May 28, with a spell of very light to light rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds.

The prediction came true, with scattered showers reported across North, South, East, West, and Central Delhi, as well as Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad.

Maximum temperatures on Thursday initially remained high at 40-42 degrees Celsius but dropped noticeably after the rain.