Residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) may continue to get relief from intense summer heat as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds in the coming days.

The weather department said changing weather conditions are expected to persist across Delhi-NCR, with intermittent rain and thunderstorm activity likely to keep temperatures under control. The maximum temperature in the national capital settled slightly above the seasonal average, while cloudy skies and moisture-laden winds are expected to bring further relief.

Rain forecast for Delhi-NCR

According to IMD, Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad are likely to witness light rainfall and thunderstorms. The weather agency said the spell of rain could be accompanied by gusty winds, leading to a drop in temperatures across the region.

Officials said the prevailing weather pattern is being influenced by favourable monsoon conditions and local weather systems, which are helping maintain relatively pleasant conditions in the region. The maximum temperature in Delhi is expected to remain below or around the 40 degrees Celsius mark over the next few days.

Monsoon advances over northern India

The southwest monsoon has advanced further into several parts of northern India, including areas of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Weather officials have indicated that conditions remain favourable for the monsoon’s further advance across more regions in northwestern India.

Meanwhile, different parts of Uttar Pradesh are expected to experience varied weather conditions, with eastern districts likely to receive rainfall while some areas in eastern UP may continue to experience heatwave conditions. Rajasthan is also expected to witness rain and thunderstorm activity in several districts.

A tragic accident at a prominent temple in Maharashtra’s Parbhani district claimed four lives on Saturday after a portion of an under-construction roof collapsed on devotees gathered at the site.

The incident took place at the Yashwadi temple in Yashwadi village, around 190 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Authorities launched a large-scale rescue operation after devotees were trapped beneath the debris following the collapse.

According to local officials, the roof section in front of the sanctum, part of an ongoing construction project, gave way during the afternoon. MLA Rajesh Vitekar said 27 people were trapped under the rubble. All those trapped were later rescued, but four people lost their lives in the incident.

Several injured devotees were shifted to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Three people were admitted to the District General Hospital, while around 20 others received treatment at RP Medical College, according to officials.

Rescue teams rushed to the site

Police, district administration personnel and emergency responders reached the temple soon after the collapse was reported. Rescue efforts continued for several hours as teams worked to remove debris and locate those trapped underneath.

Officials said the structure that collapsed was the temple’s sabhamandap, or outer assembly hall, where construction work was nearing completion. Initial assessments suggest there may have been a structural issue linked to a pillar being erected at the site, though the exact cause remains under investigation.

Popular pilgrimage site draws huge crowds

The Yashwadi temple is among the most visited religious sites in the Parbhani region and attracts thousands of devotees every Saturday. The accident occurred on a day when large numbers of worshippers had gathered at the shrine, increasing concerns about the scale of the tragedy.

Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed inquiry into the collapse and examine whether construction safety norms were followed during the expansion work.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended warm birthday greetings to President Droupadi Murmu, praising her dedication to public service and describing her life journey as a source of inspiration for people across the country.

In a message shared on social media, the Prime Minister lauded President Murmu’s commitment to the nation and highlighted her efforts toward the welfare of the poor and marginalised sections of society. He said her leadership and service continue to motivate citizens.

Modi also wished the President a long and healthy life, noting that her rise to the highest constitutional office reflects the strength of India’s democratic values. He said her journey gives hope to millions and serves as an example of perseverance and public service.

President Murmu, who was born on June 20, 1958, assumed office as the 15th President of India in July 2022. She made history as the first person from a tribal community to become President and the second woman to hold the post.

Her political and public life has included service as a legislator in Odisha, a minister in the state government and Governor of Jharkhand before she was elected President.

The President’s journey from Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district to Rashtrapati Bhavan is often cited as a symbol of social mobility and inclusive representation in Indian democracy.