After the wet spell at the start of the month, Delhi has remained dry for the last eleven days in February. A prolonged dry spell triggered a rise in the temperatures and mercury shot up to breach the 26°C mark. Earlier, such temperatures were recorded in the month of November and the beginning of December 2023. Mercury level of 26°C was last recorded on 06 Dec 2023 ( 26.4°C). The temperature may rise further by 1-2 degrees over the next 2 days and drop thereafter, the next week. The minimum temperature, on the contrary, has dropped by more than 2°C, in the last 48 hours. The morning temperature today stood at 7.3°C, about 4°C below the normal. This lowest temperature may sustain for another 24 hours and rise appreciably, thereafter.
The jinx of dry spells also is likely to break soon. Decent showers are likely for 3-4 days, commencing Monday, 19th Feb and receding by 22nd Feb. Moderate intensity showers will be witnessed on 20th and 21st Feb. These showers will be accompanied by lightning and thunderstorms, with an outside chance of hailstorms, as well.
A western disturbance is approaching the Western Himalayas tonight. In tandem, another system will trail to keep the mountains active till 23rd Feb. In the meantime, an induced cyclonic circulation is coming up over parts of Punjab and North Rajasthan. An east-west trough from this system will run in close proximity to the national capital, triggering rain and thundershowers.
Delhi has already received 30.8mm of rainfall during the first week, well above the monthly normal. An equal amount is quite possible during this spell. In any case, the day temperatures will drop by 5-6°C during this period. The minimum temperature will rise to double digits for the duration of the wet spell. A sharp fall is likely, after the passage of the weather system. The morning temperatures may dip, once again to about 7°C. Therefore, the winter chill is not going to get over soon for Delhiites.
Image Credit: hindustantimes