Bhopalites breathed a sigh of relief on Saturday as the temperature of the city after reaching to its highest level post independence fell down steeply and was recorded at 43.4 degree Celsius, 3.3 degree Celsius less then Friday.
Though the city roads and markets continued to wear deserted look and people avoided going out in the day with the apprehension due to forecast that further harsh conditions would be witnessed.
The day temperature recorded on Friday in the city was 46.7 that was for the first time since independence that the temperature soared so much. As per the data available last time it was 69 years back when on May 22, 1947 the temperature was recorded at 45.7 degree Celsius and on May 24, 2010 day temperature was recorded at 46 degree Celsius.
However, the sudden dip in temperature on Saturday after extreme high on Friday brought relief for the people of the city and State.
The maximum and minimum temperature recorded in major cities of the state on Saturday were Bhopal 43.4, Guna 45.4 and 29.8, Gwalior 44.5 and 30, Hoshangabad 44.5 and 29.6, Indore 41.2 and 26, Khajuraho 46.6 and 28.8, Jabalpur 42.6 and 31.1, Sagar 44.1 and 30 and Satna 29.5 degree Celsius.
With the city and state registering steep fall in the temperature the Weather Department has also predicted the heat intensity is likely to reduce thereafter and gradually abate during May 27 to 31.
The year 2016 is proving to the hottest year for the country and state is no exception to it as it has witnessed temperatures which were not recorded since the year 1947. Several parts of the country and state are reeling under intense heat while the MeT department has predicted that the onset of monsoon will get delayed by six days.