Terribly hot weather in Delhi during the Monsoon season this year made life difficult for many. Severe heat wave and hot day conditions prevailed till Saturday evening when the maximum at the Safdarjung Observatory recorded 42.3⁰C, the second highest in the month of July in a decade. At Palam too, the maximum recorded seven degrees above normal at 43.2⁰C.
Weather records have shown that during El Nino years maximums usually increase during the month of July in the absence of rain. In El Nino year of 2004, the highest maximum recorded on 2nd July was 41.5⁰C. In 2009, the highest day temperature on 7th July was 42.3⁰C whereas, the maximum in El Nino year 2012 recorded the highest in ten years of 43.5⁰C. This was recorded on the 2nd of July.
Day’s high is expected to dip a little on Sunday, settling at around 40⁰C. However, on Monday it is expected to settle at around 38⁰C. Though, the nights will still be uncomfortable for Delhiites amid massive powercuts. Minimums are expected to hover around 30⁰C with only marginal drop if any. People will continue to sweat as the humidity will be high of over 80%.
The minimum temperature at Safdarjung on Sunday morning recorded four degrees above normal at 30.5⁰C, while Palam recorded 31.2⁰C, five degrees above normal.
“Good rain is likely in Delhi from Wednesday 16th July onwards. Rain in Delhi could occur in patches on Monday and will become scattered on Tuesday. Increase in rainfall in Delhi could be attributed to a Monsoon trough running from Punjab up to north Bay of Bengal”, said senior meteorologist Skymet Weather.