Delhi recorded its first 40 degrees of this season on 26th April when the mercury reached its highest of 40.5°C. There was a little relief, the same evening, as most parts were struck with fairly widespread thunderstorms, later in the night. The weekend was marginally better with the day maximum restricting around 38°C, a notch below the normal. Temperature is likely to soar once again and is expected to breach the 40°C mark today, the second time this month.
Delhi has generally crossed 40°C in April. The only exception in the last 15 years was April 2012, when the highest for the month was checked at 38.7°C, that too very early in the month, on 04th April 2012. Since April 2009, mercury breached the 42°C mark on eight occasions. The highest since then was 43.7°C recorded on 18 Apr 2010.
The temperature is likely to rise steadily today and reach or exceed 40°C, a little late in the afternoon. Surface and low-level winds will pick up in the forenoon and become stronger in the late afternoon. The churning on account of speedy winds may not allow any abrupt rise of mercury. The maximum for the day is likely to get arrested under 41°C, like the last time on 26th April.
There is a western disturbance over the mountains and a cyclonic circulation over north Punjab. An east-west trough will run very close to Delhi on 30th April and 01st May. There are chances of convective build-up late in the night tomorrow. Stray showers in some areas, north of the capital city are quite likely. The more authentic spell, with scattered rain, thundershowers, lightning and gusty winds is likely between 04th and 07th May The next week may as well start on a rainy note and stormy conditions, during evening and night for Delhi/NCR.
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