Base station at Safdarjung recorded a maximum temperature of 40°C yesterday, a drop of 3.6°C from the previous day. Mercury level has come in the range of 40°C after a gap of 39 days. The maximum temperature of 40.2°C was last recorded on 13 May 2024. The day temperature stayed at or above 44°C on 10 days during this period and more than 45°C for 7 days. The highest temperature of 46.8°C at the record observatory Safdarjung was registered on 29th May 2024. The base observatory has recorded the highest number of days with temperatures over 40°C, this season. A number of heat wave days have also far exceeded the earlier records.
Heatwave conditions seem to have abated from the national capital. Though a rise in the mercury level to the low 40’s is likely for the next 3 days between 22nd and 24th June, but it may not amount to heatwave conditions, as such. The maximum temperature, at best, may reach 43°C, about 4°C above the normal. A significant drop in the temperatures is likely after 26th June.
There is a western disturbance over the northern mountains and a weak circulation over the Punjab region. Another circulation is marked over West Uttar Pradesh, closer to the foothills. An east-west trough is marked joining these two systems. The proximity of the trough line may cause some dust storms accompanied by strong winds, in the evening/ night. Subsequently, the trough will shift north of Delhi and the dry northwesterly winds will return the heat, once again. The temperature may rise to about 43°C, marginally below the heat wave mark.
Change in the wind pattern is expected to commence anytime around 25th June. The temperatures will take a dip and humidity will rise. Light pre-monsoon showers are likely on the 25th and 26th of June, as a precursor to the arrival of monsoon. Monsoon winds, sheet clouds and intermittent rain and thundershowers are likely between 27th and 30th June. Monsoon arrival may be announced anytime during this period, maybe a day later than its scheduled arrival on 27th June.
