The national capital, after having a long spell of 12 days of heat waves relented first time in the month of June, this season. Base observatory Safdarjung recorded the maximum temperature of 41.2°C, yesterday, just 1°C above the normal. Earlier, the city record station registered mercury levels between 44°C and 46°C, between 25th May and 05th June 2024. The highest temperature of 46.8°C was recorded on 29th May during this period. Incidentally, this was the second highest temperature in May, for Delhi, over the last more than a hundred years. The respite from the searing heat may not be long and the temperature may climb to 43°C-44°C, today. Further rise expected during for the entire next week.
There is a western disturbance parked over the northern mountains. In the plains, there is cyclonic circulation over parts of North Rajasthan and Haryana. Another low-level circulation is marked over extreme Northwest Madhya Pradesh. The east-west trough joining the two is extending further eastward and running in the close proximity to Delhi. Scorching heat will trouble Delhi, once again today and the mercury level may reach around 44°C. The surface and low-level wind have a southwesterly component, which will drag the heat from the western borders of the state.
The oppressive heat will act as a trigger and activate the trough to build up tall clouds, later in the day. As it is, the weather activity is always more along and south of the trough line. Delhi is ideally placed to experience a spell of dust storms in the evening hours. Also, strong winds may accompany and kick some dust, reducing horizontal visibility. Dusty conditions may be followed by some relief showers to settle the muck.
In the absence of any significant activity next week, the heat factor will build up. Mercury is expected to breach 45°C, quite often. It may remain a regular feature in the following week. Delhiites may have to bear with another spell of heat wave, before the arrival of monsoon, which is expected only at the fag end of the month.
