This summer season, temperatures in Delhi have remained under check till now due to on and off pre-Monsoon activities. On May 17, Delhi had recorded scattered rains and thundershowers, which had led to drop in the temperatures. Since then there has been a gradual rise in temperatures. Just when the maximums crossed the 40-degree mark, there was another spell of rain over Delhi on May 23.
Despite a brief relief last week, the maximum temperature has started to rise again. Though the thunder activity and light showers last week had brought much-needed relief from the scorching heat. Officials of the India Meteorological Department said that the heat wave is likely to grip the national Capital from Thursday as the mercury is expected to soar up to 45 degrees Celsius. He also added that the main factor behind the rise in temperatures is the hot and dry westerly winds coming from Rajasthan reaching Delhi.
According to Skymet Weather, both day and night temperatures across Delhi and adjoining areas of Noida, Gurugram, and Faridabad are set to increase. At least for the next one week, we do not expect any pre-Monsoon activity in terms of rain or thundershowers. Dry weather conditions are expected to continue over entire Northwest India including Delhi-NCR. An uninterrupted flow of dry and hot winds would continue from northwest direction, which will be instrumental in increasing the temperatures.
A senior official of IMD’s regional weather forecasting centre said, “When the day temperature breaches normal mark by five or more degrees it is categorised as a heat wave. The city is likely to have heat wave conditions from May 29 till at least June 2.”
He further added that a western disturbance that will reach Delhi by May 31 will have no effect on its hot weather. Monday was a hot day with the maximum temperature recorded at 41.9 degrees Celsius, a notch above normal. However, the night temperature settled at 25.4 degrees, a notch below the season’s average.
At present, air quality is in the ‘moderate’ category. However, a prolonged dry spell associated with strong westerly winds will raise the dust into the atmosphere. Due to this, the PM 10 level might increase, and pollution levels may become poor in the coming days. So, we can say that Delhiites will have to brace up for hot days ahead.
