While residents of Delhi have been witnessing the hottest September in last 5 years, temperatures in national capital touched few above the normal today. While Palam registered the maximum temperature of 39°C, the highest in last ten years, maximum temperature at Safdarjung stands at 38°C, second highest in last ten years. The temperatures are four notches above the normal.
Updated on September 15, 2015 1:29 PM: Driest September for Delhi-NCR so far, wet spell likely ahead
Delhiites have been reeling under hot and dry conditions for the past three weeks. The rain gods seem to have disappeared as the national capital has not received any spell of rain since August 25. Usually, Monsoon withdrawal takes place from Delhi-NCR only after September 20. Thereafter, there is a significant reduction in rainfall, but the city receives good rains during the first half of the month.
During September, the city usually observes hot and humid weather conditions with very little rain. The discomfort levels are quite high. However, the residents of the national capital have been witnessing rather dry conditions. The first half of September has been dry, with not even a drop of rain. Whereas, the average rainfall for the month of September is 121 mm.
The year 2009 witnessed a severe drought, but Delhi did receive a whopping 191 mm of rainfall in just the first 15 days of September. Similar rainfall figures were recorded in 2010, and 2011 as well.
This year, the maximum temperature have also been on the higher end.Let’s take a look at the table for a detailed view of the temperatures and rainfall figures during September since 2009.
On September 13, the national capital observed a maximum of 37.9°C, which is the third highest in a decade. The highest maximum was 38.5°C recorded in 2005, and the second highest was observed at 38°C in 2008. This year, the national capital recorded 36°C as its lowest maximum for September, which is the highest since 2009.
However, after a prolonged dry spell, rain is in the offing for Delhi-NCR. The wet spell is likely to begin on September 19 and is expected to continue till September 21. This rainy spell of three days will give the residents of the national capital much-needed relief from sweltering and dry conditions.
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