New Delhi, Feb 28 (UNI) Heavy rains lashed Delhi tonight, bringing a chill in the air in the Capital on the eve of Holi, which heralds the onset of Summer.

The heavy spell of rains, which began at around 2130 hours, followed a spell of light rains this morning.

The rainfall, which was accompanied by strong thundershowers, brought about a sharp drop in mercury in the capital.

The maximum temperature dropped by almost five degrees Celsius, from 28 Degrees C yesterday. The drop in maximum temperature to 23 Degrees C, which was three degrees below normal, brought about a sudden chill in the air.

About 20 mm of rainfall was recorded till 2230 hours, the weather office said.

Weathermen atrribute the fresh spell of rainfall in the capital, which follows a heavily overcast sky since last evening, to the influence of a fresh Western disturbance.

Infact, the weather office has forecast more spells of rainfall and thundershowers in Delhi during the next 24 hours with some of them also expected to be accompanied by thundersqualls or hailstorms.

They have also forecast a sharp drop in night temperature in Delhi during the next two days. Infact, the weather office forecast a drop in minimum temperature to 12 Degrees C tomorrow.

The met office has forecast a generally cloudy sky in Delhi in the next 24 hours with more rains and thundershowers expected during the same period.

UNI