Residents in the national Capital woke to a warm morning while as the day proceeded, mercury shot up to 42.3 degrees Celsius on Saturday.
The minimum temperature settled at 27 degrees Celsius in the morning — two notches above normal for this time of the year.
“At 8.30 am, the minimum temperature was recorded at 27 degrees Celsius, two notches above average, and humidity was above 60 per cent,” an official of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) told The Pioneer.
He said the temperatures are expected to remain static at 42 to 43 degrees Celsius through the next week as well.
“last year, we had recorded the highest temperature at 44 degree Celsius in the month and this year the 44 degrees Celsius has already been touched in the last few days. It is going to remain under 44 degrees Celsius in this month,” he added.
The weatherman predicted a duststorm or a thunderstorm in the next 24 hours. On Friday, the maximum temperature was recorded at 43 degrees Celsius and the minimum at 27.5, while the humidity level oscillated between 68 per cent and 21 per cent.
The Department predicted a partly cloudy sky for Sunday with the maximum temperature likely to be around 44 degrees Celsius. For the entire week, weather is set to be the same. However, on May 17, weather would be partly cloudy with possibility of development of thunder lightening. There are chances of rain on May 20, according to the IMD website.
People have started taking precautionary measures in view of the rising temperatures in the Capital. While the schools are closed, the office going crowd and other commuters are seen with umbrellas and sunglasses.
“The heat during the peak hours can lead to strokes and other possibilities of dehydration thus it is advised that people drink plenty of water and carry water bottles. People must also try to cover their bodies and head especially to safeguard themselves from heat strokes,” said a Government doctor.