A heat wave had the National Capital in its iron grip on Sunday, as maximum temperature rose to the highest for this season at a sweltering 44.6 degree Celsius. There is no respite in sight either, with the weather department ruling out rains this week.
The temperature is likely to go up to a maximum of 45 degrees this week, in contrast to the previous week, when it hovered at 42-43 degrees C. The maximum on Saturday was recorded at 43.2 degree Celsius.
Indian Meteorological Department officials said the heat wave will last and take temperatures even higher. Dry climate with temperatures over 48 degrees Celsius in northern Rajasthan has led to heat intensifying in Delhi.
As mercury shot to its highest, streets were deserted on Sunday, an unusual weekend. Shopping and tourist hubs, including India Gate, did not receive many visitors. Even those at home felt it was boiling, as fans and coolers seemed of little use.
"This heat is unbearable. I run my own business and have a showroom but today, I couldn't stay there for long. I felt dehydrated and returned home. Customers have already started reducing during the afternoon," said Irfan Kaloo, a businessman at Malviya Nagar. People came outdoors only out of necessity, and well-equipped with umbrellas and waterbottles.
Sunday's maximum was five notches above normal while minimum temperature was recorded at a normal 25.9 degrees Celsius. Humidity oscillated between 68 and 19. "The temperature has been rising as heat waves are coming from Rajasthan," said a senior Met official.
"Temperatures are expected to rise in the last week of May or first week of July, but this time, the season's highest was a bit earlier. The anti-cyclone well established across Rajasthan and central Pakistan is causing subsidence. There has also not been any western disturbance for over a week and we do not expect any in the coming week either," he added.
According to the weatherman, there will be no respite until Rajasthan cools down. Maximum temperature is forecast at 44-45 degrees Celsius in this week too.
"The sky will remain clear for the whole week and temperature is likely to stick to above 43 degrees Celsius till May 25," he added.