Delhi sizzles at 44 deg C; hottest day of the season

The national capital today witnessed the hottest day of the season as the mercury soared to 44 degrees Celsius, five notches above the season’s average. “It was hottest day of the season so far. Also, the temperature had not touched 44 in the first half of May at least in the last five years,” a MeT Department official said.

A moderate-intensity dust storm also lashed the city towards the evening but failed to provide any respite from the sweltering heat.

At Palam Observatory, the maximum temperature was recorded at 46.2 degrees.

“The Safdarjung Observatory, reading of which is considered the official figure for Delhi, recorded 44 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature at Palam, Lodhi Road, Ridge and Ayanagar Observatories were recorded at 46.2, 44.2, 45.4 and 45.2 degrees Celsius respectively.

The minimum temperature today settled at 23.8 degrees Celsius, a notch below season’s average.

The humidity level in the air oscillated between 14 per cent and 54 per cent. In what may come as relief, the MeT office has hinted about the possibility of rain tomorrow.

“Tomorrow, the skies will be partly cloudy. Rain and thunderstorm are likely to occur in some parts of the city.

“The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to hover at 40 degrees celsius and 24 degrees Celsius,” the official said. Yesterday, the maximum and minimum temperatures were recorded at 42 degrees Celsius and 22 degrees Celsius respectively.