Mercury on rise in Delhi, Thursday warmest February day of decade

New Delhi : The national capital recorded a maximum temperature of 32 degrees Celsius, seven notches above the season's average, on Thursday, making it the second warmest day of the decade, while mercury in some areas rose to 32.4 degrees -- highest February temperature of the decade, IMD said.

Slight respite is expected towards Friday, with maximum temperature expected to fall by a degree, while Saturday could see thunder or lightning development with possibility of showers. 

According to Met department, on February 21, 2017, Delhi saw 32.4 degree as the warmest day of month, while on February 22, 2017 maximum temperature was 26 degrees.

Meanwhile, the minimum temperature on Thursday was recorded at 14 degree Celsius, three notches above the season.

"The highest temperature in Delhi was recorded at Ridge area on Thursday at 32.4 degrees, eight notches above the season's average. The minimum temperature was recorded at 16 degrees in the same area, which is five notches above the season's average," an India Meteorological Department(IMD) official told IANS.

According to private weather forecasting agency Skymet, the the spike in day mercury is due to the approaching Western Disturbance over the Western Himalayas, which carries a warm front ahead of it.

The humidity on Thursday oscillated between 35 to 96 per cent.

Wednesday's maximum temperature was 31.7 degree Celsius and minimum was 12.5 degree Celsius respectively.