The base observatory at Safdarjung recorded the highest temperature of this season at 42.9 degrees yesterday. Mercury surpassed its earlier high of 42.5 degrees measured on 12th May 2023. Parts of the national capital exceeded the threshold of 46 degrees for the first time in the season. Najafgarh topped the list with a sizzling 46.3 degrees, followed by Narela and Pitampura scaling 45-degree mark.
Heat wave conditions are announced when the day maximum temperature is 4.5 degrees above the normal and the maximum temperature touches 40 degrees or more. A heat wave is also declared when the day temperature reaches or exceeds 45 degrees.
The record observatory of Delhi has still not recorded any heat wave over the national capital. However, the suburbs of Delhi have witnessed heat wave on a few occasions earlier as well. Temperatures are likely to soar to similar levels or even a shade higher today. The day will be hot tomorrow as well but with a marginal drop. Significant relief follows the day after and still better thereon till the weekend.
Western disturbance with support circulation over plains of North India is likely to fetch a prolonged wet spell over northern plains, including Delhi. Capital City though on the peripherals of active weather belt but will still have decent showers on a couple of days between the 24th and 27th of May 2023. Heavy rain and thundershowers with gale speed winds, lightning and chances of hailstorm between 24th and 26th May. Heat wave will abate 24th onward for the rest of the month. Minimum temperatures will also drop to low 20's for 4-5 days. Safdarjung Observatory has already recorded 61mm of rainfall against the monthly normal of 29.4mm. Another 50-60 mm of rain may be added during this spell to take the total to 3 digit.
