Entire North India has not experienced any rainfall activity for the last 10 days. The last spell of light to moderate rain was observed between February 19 and 20.
In view of hot and sunny days, temperatures have climbed 4 to 6 degree Celsius above normal. Even night temperatures have been settling 2 to 3 degree Celsius above average.
On Monday, the Safdarjung observatory recorded 31°C as maximum (5°C above normal) while the Palam observatory saw day temperature rise 6°C above normal to 31.7°C. Similar trend was followed on Tuesday as Safdarjung observatory recorded 30.8°C as maximum (5°C above normal) while the Palam observatory saw day temperature settle at 32.2°C.
Here’s a look at the temperature profile in Punjab and Haryana:
Night temperatures have also been hovering around 15°C for the last few days. Such high temperatures are generally observed during the third week of March. The normal minimum for March in Delhi is 15°C. Accordingly, during the first fortnight the minimum should have definitely been below this mark.
Some relief is in the offing but it will only be short-lived. Two back to back Western Disturbances will affect North India. The first one will only bring rain and snow over the glaciers. The second one will start affecting the region by March 3. Its effects will be more widespread as it will also induce a cyclonic circulation. These weather system will bring rain over Delhi-NCR, West Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.
While the Western Disturbance will move away, the cyclonic circulation will linger on till about March 6. Therefore, we can expect some rain in the plains between March 4 and 6. Cloud cover and rain will bring down temperatures to comfortable levels.
Image credit - Indian Express