Delhi has been termed as Urban Heat Island (UHI) with the soaring temperature again after minuscule rainfall in the Capital. According to the predictions of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the mercury will rise to 41 degree Celsius in this week. With 18 KMPH, humidity level in city air, the humidity level has been recorded at 32 percent. While the annual mean temperature in increasing by 1.2 degree Celsius; experts say the local climate of Delhi plays a vital role in prevailing freak weather pattern.
Besides global climate effect, Delhi’s local weather also resulted in soaring the climate. Moreover, this year, April and May month had recorded higher temperatures in Delhi’s weather history. Climate scientists also said that, this year, summer also had started early.
Suruchi Badwal from Earth and Climate Science Division, TERI University said that not just the maximum temperature but sharp increase in minimum temperature has also observed. “In a border view, global climate effect is the reason behind the rise in temperatures in different States in India. like Ahmedabad, Delhi should also prepare Heat Action Plan,” said Badwal.
It is important to mention here that winters (January - February) of 2017 was hottest in recorded history with temperature of 2.95 degree Celsius higher than the baseline (1901-30). Change in weather also causing higher frequency and intensity of extreme weather events — droughts, floods and heat waves.
In Delhi, the experts believe that poor urban planning is also a factor in variations in local weather. “Big concrete buildings, congested colonies, less circulation of heat air and pollution are also some factors for temperature rising,” said a expert.
Meanwhile on Sunday, Delhiites experienced a relatively pleasant day with the maximum temperature being recorded at 37.2 degrees Celsius.
Safdarjung observatory, recording of which is considered official for the city, registered a maximum temperature of 37.2 degrees, three notches below the season’s average while the minimum temperature was recorded at 26.4 degrees, a notch below the normal.
Areas under Palam, lodhi Road, Ridge and Aayangar recorded a maximum temperature of 39.6, 36.7, 37.7 and 38.5 degrees Celsius respectively, said a MeT department official.
In weekly forecast, maximum temperatures are likely to hover around 41 and 43 degrees Celsius, respectively,” IMD.
On Saturday, the minimum and maximum temperatures recorded were 28.8 degree Celsius and 34.5 degree Celsius, respectively.