Rain likely after another hot Monday

New Delhi: The temperature went soaring around the capital on Sunday, with the maximum being recorded at 40.1° C at Safdarjung — three degrees above normal for this time of the season.
Humidity levels were also on the higher side, hovering around 60%, with the met office saying that the capital is likely to see a return of monsoon activity on Tuesday in the form of light rain.

Ayanagar was the hottest location in Delhi on Sunday, recording a maximum of 41.2° Celsius, while Palam had a high of 41.1° Celsius — both four notches above normal. Officials from met office forecast a return of rain on Tuesday, followed by four continuous days of thundershowers.

“Monday will be another hot day, with the maximum temperature likely to be around 39 degrees Celsius. Humidity will also be on the higher side. There is a chance of thundery development, however, we expect some rain on Tuesday onwards,” said a met official.

“The intensity is expected to be much more on Wednesday and Thursday and we expect on and off rain spells during this period till Saturday,” the official added.

The capital had seen a spell of strong thundershowers on Thursday, which was accompanied by gusty winds up to 65 km/hr Safdarjung — Delhi’s base weather station had received 34.2mm of rain on Thursday, while Lodhi Road had recorded 39.2mm of rainfall.

Forecast for Sunday shows a maximum and minimum of 39 and 29 degrees Celsius, respectively, a met official said.