Mercury on rise in Delhi, respite unlikely till next week

New Delhi : The national capital on Tuesday sizzled at 38.6 degrees Celsius, five notches above the season's average, a rise of over two degrees in past 24 hours.

According to weather analysts, the next respite is likely towards Monday (April 9).

The minimum temperature on Tuesday was 21.4 degrees, three notches above the season's average. 

"Monday's minimum temperature is likely to hover around 38 degrees," an official at India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

While IMD has predicted warmer summers this year, with April, May and June hotter by about one to two degrees, the capital has already suffered a 40 degrees Celsius in March.

"This is third time mercury has crossed 38 degrees this year," an IMD official told IANS.

On April 3, 2017 the maximum temperature was recorded at 38 degrees Celsius, while in 2016, which is also recorded as warmest year so far, the maximum temperature was 39 degrees.

According to private weather analyst Skymet, a western disturbance is likely towards April 6 and 7, following which April 9 may see a drop in mercury.

"Light rain showers are likely in north-west, central and other regions of country. Delhi may thus see a drop in mercury by Monday next week," Mahesh Palawt, Skymet Director, told IANS.

The humidity on Tuesday oscillated between 31 to 59 per cent while the air quality was placed under poor category by Central Pollution Control Board.

On Monday, the maximum temperature was recorded at 36.4 degrees Celsius while the minimum temperature was recorded at 21.4 degrees Celsius, both three notches above the season's average.