The unusual increase in the temperature in April is a cause of worry for Delhiites as many fear that they could face heat wave early than expected.
The maximum temperature this week will remain 38 degrees Celsius, proving little respite to the Delhiites from the blazing heat. The minimum temperature remains at 25 degrees Celsius.
On Monday the maximum temperature was recorded 41 degree Celsius in day time while minimum temperature was 22.9, four notches above the average.
However, in 2015 the maximum temperature fluctuated between 32 degree and 38 degree Celsius. According to Indian Metrological Department (IMD) the skies will remain partly cloudy till next week but maximum temperature will be plunged by three to four degree Celsius.
“Although temperature will remain high as there is no prediction of rain in coming three four days but there is no occurrence of heat wave in Delhi atmosphere. The main reason for rising temperature is negligible rainfall in February and March whereas in last year, the rainfall was in good amount in the initial months of 2015,” said Ravinder Vishan, Group Captain, Delhi division, IMD.
As weather officials’ inputs, it is the first time when temperature was recorded above 40 degree Celsius in April this year.
Capital has the history of rising temperature in May-June months. Besides, the prolonged spell of weather which is gripping the city since three days, the same situation had also occurred in May 2002.
Delhi had witnessed the maximum temperature of 47.2 degree Celsius in 1944. Weather department officials said the maximum temperature on May 29, 1998 had gone up to 46.5 degrees Celsius whereas in 2002, the maximum temperature was recorded on May 19 at 46 degree Celsius.
“In the past 10 years, the frequency of western disturbances has been relatively more causing thunderstorms in the hilly regions. This has a direct impact on the temperature in Delhi as due to thunderstorms and other activities in the western region the winds remained relatively cooler. And the wind blowing in Delhi in past ten years has helped in controlling temperature,” said Vishan.
However, considering the wind speed data base of March-April this year, wind speed is 1.08 meter per second which is very low to bring the temperature down.