NEW DELHI: The mercury levels fell several notches on Saturday after a
dust storm struck the capital on Friday night. The maximum
temperature fell below 40 degrees Celsius for the first time in the last two weeks after it was recorded at 38.3 degrees Celsius at Safdarjung, Delhi’s base observatory.
The regional Met office says Delhi is likely to see another spell of dust storm activity on Sunday which could see the maximum hover around 40 degrees C.
“Delhi will see more dust storm and thunderstorm activity on Sunday like the one witnessed on Friday. Another such spell will ensure the maximum ranges between 39 to 40 degrees,” said a Met official, adding that although rain is not likely, however, the storm will provide a cooling effect.
The maximum on Saturday was recorded two notches below normal for this time of the season. Palam meanwhile had a maximum of 39.4 degrees Celsius, well below its season high of 46.5 degrees Celsius recorded last month. Delhi had seen a sudden change in
weather on Friday evening after a dust storm struck the capital without a warning.
The capital had been witnessing temperatures above 42 degrees Celsius for nine straight days before the storm, making it one of the longest such spells for the capital. With moisture-laden easterly winds blowing towards Delhi, humidity was hovering around 50% to 60% on Saturday.
People look for cover during a dust storm, near India Gate in New Delhi (File Photo)