The base observatory at Safdarjung, representative of Delhi records, observed the maximum temperature of 46.8°C, yesterday. This temperature is the highest in the last 79 years and about 6°C above the normal. The mercury level surpassed the previous day’s record of 45.8°C, about 5°C above normal. These temperatures are amounting to severe heatwave conditions over the Delhi/NCR region.
In the recent past, Safdarjung recorded high of 46°C on 27 May 2020. This was the highest in the last 2 decades or so. The highest ever temperature of 47.2°C, in the month of May was recorded on 29 May 1944. Yesterday’s, Delhi's official temperature of 46.8°C was the second highest in over 100 years, since 1901. In the last 20 years, Delhi has recorded a mercury level of >/= 45°C on seven occasions. The highest ever rainfall in the month of May of 165mm, was recorded in 2008. The least of all, only trace rainfall was recorded in May 2013. This month, the observatory has recorded only 0.4mm of rainfall against a normal of 30.7mm.
There is a western disturbance as an upper air system over the northern mountains. Also, there is an induced cyclonic circulation in the lower levels over Pakistan and adjoining North Rajasthan region. This feature will shift closer over parts of Rajasthan and Haryana. An east-west trough extends from this circulation and passes in close proximity to Delhi. This may trigger some pre-monsoon activity with showers in some parts of Delhi/NCR, between 30th May and 02nd June. Some fleeting showers may even be observed on 04th & 05th May, as well. Mercury may breach the 45°C mark today also and remain between 43-45°C till the weekend.
