It’s time to bid farewell to cooler days, the heat of the Indian summer is about to take its toll in North India. The periodic passage of the western disturbance (WD) had been causing frequent rainfall activity in the hills and plains of northern India throughout March and April. This was keeping temperatures in the region under check. But now, the WD is going to clear up giving way to rising temperatures in the region.
Only yesterday, a fresh western disturbance gave rain over parts of North India. Amritsar received 3 mm rainfall, Chandigarh 4.2 mm, Patiala 11.6 mm, and Ambala recorded 12.1 mm rainfall. This trend of regular rainfall continued throughout April. Delhi recorded an average temperature of 34.6°C in April against a normal of 36°C for the month. Similarly, Amritsar recorded an average of 32.8°C in April against a normal of 34°C.
Also, temperature in various places in North India touched the 40°C mark only once or twice in April. Hisar recorded temperature of 40°C or more on two occasions only. Patiala recorded a temperature of 40°C or more only once. Even Delhi observed 40°C or more on one occasion only. Whereas, temperature in Amritsar did not touch 40°C in the month of April. Interestingly, in the last 10 years (barring 2012), Delhi has recorded a temperature of 40°C on more than one occasion in April.
But as the WD retreats, and cool moist south easterlies make way for dry and hot westerlies, temperature in North India is expected to settle in the 40s. Many places in North India are expected to touch the 40°C mark in the month of May. Generally speaking, May is the hottest month of the season. Although the first half of June also experiences hot weather conditions, but pre-monsoon activity in the later half of the month brings respite from the heat. But May witnesses an average jump of about 4°C, from 36°C in April to 39.5°C in May. Average rainfall in the month of May is recorded at 22.7 mm. Simply speaking, the heat will now finally be felt.
(Featured Image Credits: oneindia.com)
