The national capital is heading for a prolonged spell of pre-monsoon activity. Starting with a mild appearance late tonight, spread and intensity will increase for the subsequent 5 days, between 16th and 20th June. Following day, the summer solstice of the Northern Hemisphere on 21st June will wind up this extraordinary long spell. Slight breather on 22nd June and the activity resumes again, on 23rd June to continue till the arrival of the southwest monsoon.
Delhi has been reeling under extreme heat conditions for the 1st fortnight, with mercury breaching 40°C mark regularly between 01st and 13th June. It persistently remained above 43°C between 04th and 13th June and even transgressed 44°C on 2 occasions. Yesterday, the maximum temperature dropped below 40°C after a gap of 13 days, since 31st May when it had lowered to 39.4°C. The day temperature is expected to clock under 40°C for the next 7 days or even more. Mercury will hover in mid 30’s by the weekend. Thereafter, the flavor of the monsoon may suppress further in the last week of June.
Western disturbance in the hills and induced cyclonic circulation in the plains of North India will proceed in tandem for resultant thunderstorm activity. The complimentary role of these 2 weather systems will slow their respective movement and spread the convergence zone over most parts of North India. The national capital falls on the peripheral of this impact zone and is therefore susceptible to strong pre-monsoon thunderstorms.
Delhi/ NCR can expect relief from the excruciating heat persisting for the last many days. Dust storm and thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds are quite likely, commencing tonight and extending beyond the weekend. In between this period, stormy conditions may be escorted by sharp showers and lightning strikes. The Span and power of these thunderstorms will peak from 16th to 18th June.
Strong squally winds may amount to the falling of trees and impacting power outages. Air operations also may take the beat resulting in temporary suspension of operations and triggering diversions. Weather activity will be mostly confined to evening and night hours. Caution needs to be exercised for any outdoor activities during the period of inclement weather conditions.