New Delhi: As the western disturbance is expected to weaken from Sunday, the mercury in Delhi is likely to show a gradual increase and may reach 41 degrees Celsius by Tuesday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Overnight Thunderstorm and Rainfall
The city experienced an overnight thunderstorm on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, with winds touching 76 kmph at Palam. Safdarjung, the city's base station, recorded 5.9 mm of rainfall until 8:30 am on Saturday. During the same period, other areas received significant rainfall: ridge in north Delhi recorded 12.1 mm, Palam 2.2 mm, Lodhi Road 6.2 mm, Pusa 13.5 mm, Janakpuri 6.5 mm, Mayur Vihar 8.5 mm, and Jafarpur 12 mm. However, no rain was reported between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm.
Temperature Trends
Due to overcast skies, the maximum temperature on Saturday was recorded at 35.6 degrees Celsius, four notches below normal. This was slightly higher than Friday's maximum of 34.6 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature settled at 21.4 degrees Celsius, seven degrees below normal, making for a cool morning.
The IMD has predicted that the city may receive rain and gusty winds up to 60 kmph on Saturday night, with a possibility of thundery development on Sunday. A Met official stated, “A gradual rise in maximum temperatures by 3-4 degrees Celsius is likely during the next five days, and no large change is expected thereafter.”
Forecast for Next Week
The Met department has forecast that the maximum temperature may stay between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius on Sunday. It is expected to rise to around 39-41 degrees Celsius by Tuesday. Night temperatures are also expected to rise, potentially reaching 29 degrees Celsius by June 19. “A gradual rise in minimum temperatures by 3-4 degrees Celsius is expected during the next five days,” the official added.
Air Quality
Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality remained in the ‘satisfactory’ category with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 96. On Friday, the AQI was 73, which was the lowest since September 5 last year, when it was 67.
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