Delhi on Tuesday recorded its highest maximum temperature for the season so far, as the mercury in the city inched closer to the 35-degree mark. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast the temperature to rise further on Wednesday, but has predicted a dip thereafter, triggered by a western disturbance that is likely to bring strong winds and light rain to the National Capital Region (NCR).
On Tuesday, the Safdarjung observatory, which is representative of Delhi’s weather, recorded a maximum temperature of 34.6 degrees Celsius (°C) — three degrees above normal and two notches above the 33.2°C logged on Monday. In parts of the Capital, the mercury actually crossed the 35-degree mark — it was 35.9°C at Pitampura in northwest Delhi, while the observatory at Najafgarh in southwest Delhi logged a maximum of 35.8°C.
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Prior to Tuesday, the highest maximum at Safdarjung so far this year was 34.1°C, which was recorded on March 23.
IMD has predicted that clear skies may lead to the temperature rising further — to around 36°C — on Wednesday. “Safdarjung could touch 36°C, with other locations being possibly even warmer,” said Kuldeep Srivastava, scientist at IMD.
However, Met department forecasts show a western disturbance impacting NCR from Thursday evening, with light rain and cool winds making for a comparatively cooler end to the month.
“Delhi and northwest India is currently seeing clear skies, which is leading to a rise in temperature. This trend will continue till Thursday, before a western disturbance starts to impact the Himalayas and northern plains. We expect cloudiness towards Thursday night and on Friday, light rain is likely in Delhi-NCR,” Srivastava said, adding that overcast skies may persist on Saturday too.
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Forecasts show that the maximum will drop to 34°C by Saturday, and 33°C by Sunday.
Delhi’s minimum temperature was meanwhile recorded at 17.7°C, which was around normal for this time of the year. The minimum is forecast to hover around 18-19°C till Sunday, IMD forecasts said.
In terms of air quality, Delhi’s pollution levels remained in the moderate zone on Tuesday, with a 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) reading of 134, according to the Central Pollution Control Board’s national bulletin released at 4 pm. It was 197 (moderate) at the same time on Monday.
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