Base station of Delhi recorded the highest temperature of this season so far. Safdarjung observatory registered the day maximum at 32.6°C, an increase of 1.4°C from the previous day. Airport observatory at Palam, also was the warmest of the season with similar read of 32.6°C. Some other parts of the capital city like Sports Complex and Siri Fort measured 34.8°C, the highest in the region. Meteorological office at Lodhi Road was shade behind with 33.2°C and above the normal by 4°C. The minimum temperatures also remained above the threshold mark and hovered between 16° and 20°C.
The rising spree of day temperature will be maintained during this week. Moderate surface winds over the next 2 days may restrict an abrupt rise. Around mid week, the wind pattern is expected to alter and turn light and variable on 17th and 18thMarch. Mercury will have tendency to shoot up to 36-37°C during 2nd half of the week. This may not amount to heat wave or ‘loo’ conditions but the spike will raise the bar to 5-6°C above the average. Absence of any cloud cover will allow unrestricted burst of radiations turning the heat ‘on’ over most parts of the national capital.
It is not unusual for the capital city to witness such high temperatures. Yes, during 1st fortnight, rise of mercury remains marginal, with a tendency to shoot up in the later half. Last year, a record high of 40.1°C was observed on 29thMar, just a shade behind the all time high of 40.6°C, scaled on 31st Mar 1945. No significant cloud cover is likely and therefore dismal chance of any rain and thunderstorm over the next 10-12days. Such phenomenon always perform the balancing act of neutralizing excess heat, as and when developed. Delhiites will have to bare with the ascending heat, possibly lasting for over a week.