National capital observed unusually contrasting weather conditions during March 2023. First 2 weeks remained mostly dry and hot and later half switched to pleasing weather conditions. Such diversified condition are very uncommon, literally no record in the recent history.
Delhi usually starts with the day temperature of 27 degree and ends up with 34 degree, in March. The city breached 34 degree in the 1st half itself and plunged to mid 20's in the 3rd week. The mean temperature of first half was 31.8degree against its average of 29 degree, huge 3 degree above the normal. Second half of April generally heats up and frequently hovers above mid 30's. Contrastingly, the mean temperature of 2nd half of the month was recorded at 29.8degree against the average of 32 degree. Minimum temperatures frequently dipped below the normal during this period.
The 1st fortnight remained dry and turned unexpectedly rainy during the later half. Base observatory recorded total of 53mm rainfall against the monthly normal of 19.1mm. Capital city and the suburbs witnessed untimely hailstorm in some pockets. Strong winds, thundershowers and hailstorm damaged Rabi crop in Delhi/NCR.
Month of April started on a wet note. Moderate rainfall accompanied with lightening and thunder led to usual waterlogging in some areas. Base station at Safdarjung measured 16mm of rainfall in the wee hours today. The city has recoded 19mm of rainfall in the 1st four days against the monthly normal of 12.5mm.
No inclement weather activity is expected over Delhi/NCR for the next one week or even more. Some puff of clouds may appear for small duration but unlikely to convert into showers. In the absence of any significant weather activity, plenty of sunshine will lead to rise in temperature. However, these are unlikely to shoot up and mostly hover around low 30's. Maximum temperatures are unlikely to exceed the normal of 35-36 degree in the first 10 days of the month.