Thunderstorms spread across India, reduce pollution levels in New Delhi

The beginning of March was dry across the Delhi area, but rain is ending the first week of the month.

"The jet stream has set up over northern India and is triggering showers and thunderstorms across the region," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Houk.

The break from the more stagnant weather pattern is helping to improve the air quality across much of the region.

Widespread rainfall amounts of 25-50 mm (1-2 inches) are expected, with an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 100 mm (4 inches) possible in an area hit by a particularly heavy thunderstorm.

Rainfall of this magnitude will be capable of causing flash flooding, including ponding on roadways and in low-lying areas. Locations from New Delhi and Jaipur to Kolkata could all endure travel delays as a result.

"New Delhi could pick up as much rain as they normally get during the whole month as storms push through into Friday night," added Houk.

The normal precipitation for New Delhi for the entire month of March is about 15 mm (0.60 of an inch).

Rain and thunderstorms moved into New Delhi Thursday into Friday and will continue to swing southeastward into Friday evening.

In addition to the rain, isolated hail and frequent lightning will also be threats from these thunderstorms. Gusty winds may create dust storms ahead of the rain's arrival.

Over the weekend, the dry pattern looks to return to northern India and continue through early next week. However, AccuWeather meteorologists are monitoring the potential for more wet weather to return during the middle to late parts of next week.

Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.