Delhi temperatures are on the rise and mercury is expected to reach the mid-40s during the week. The rise in temperature has been incremental during the last three days. It has gone up from 39.8°C on 12th May to 40.6°C, yesterday. A significant spike is likely by the weekend. Heat wave is likely to grip Delhi/NCR, for the first time in this season.
The base observatory at Safdarjung recorded the highest temperature of 42°C, so far, on 07th May 2024. The pentad normal temperature for Delhi in May starts with 38°C in the beginning and ends with 40°C, at the fag end of the month. Fluctuations of 3-5°C on a daily basis are a regular feature. The highest temperature for the month is invariably recorded in the second half and the last week becomes the clear favourite.
In the last 15 years, since May 2009, Delhi has breached the 44°C mark in 11 years. The mercury touched or crossed 45°C for 6 years, during this period. The highest temperature during this period was 45.7°C, on 24th May 2013 closely followed by 45.6°C, on 16th May 2022. The highest-ever temperature record for the month of May is 47.2°C, registered on 29th May 1944.
There is no likelihood of any active western disturbance triggering weather activity over the plains. Dry weather conditions will prevail during this week. Heat will keep accumulating and the mercury will rise, steep at times. It may breach 44°C on the weekend. Some change in the pattern early next week will bring an east-west trough in close proximity to Delhi. Localized heat may trigger some thunderstorms and fleeting showers between the 20th and 22nd of May. This activity, as such, will be of short duration and occur later part of the day. Therefore, no relief from the scorching conditions is likely. Mercury in excess of 44°C may continue during next week, as well.
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