Delhi turns into the new ‘Urban Heat Island’

Record breaking heat and high temperature is converting the national capital into the hottest and driest city. The Safadarjung Observatory recorded 38.4^oC as the maximum temperature on Wednesday, which is the highest in last ten years. Palam too saw the maximum settle at 39.5^oC, close to the ten-year high of 40.1^oC recorded in 2009 during August. Delhi’s heat is leaving citizens high and dry. The last ten days have been the longest spell of dry weather Delhi has witnessed in August in the last five years. For Delhites, who have been baking in the unseasonable heat in the monsoon months of July and August, there seems to be no respite from this scorching heat for next couple of days either. The present sweltering weather that the national capital region is witnessing is usually observed during pre-monsoon when maximum temperature touches 40^oC. According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, the city is already 52% behind its quota of normal rainfall for August and chances of the situation improving seems bleak. Delhi has recorded only 120 mm of rain so far against the monthly average of 253 mm. Moreover, the situation is similar for NCR regions as well. While Ayanagar, Hindon and Yamuna sports complex saw maximum setlle at 39.5^oC (similar to Palam), the temperature at Pitampura, Najafgarh and Noida was above 38^oC for Wednesday. So whether Delhi will sizzle at this high temperature or will it drizzle, that’s something we have to wait and watch. Record Breaking High Temperature in Last Ten Years

Wednesday’s Maximums Around Delhi