NEW DELHI: In the past, temperatures in the capital have often crossed the 40 degree Celsius-mark in April. As recently as in 2017, it touched 43.2 degree Celsius. However, this year, April’s weather sprung a pleasant surprise. The capital recorded only one day when the temperature touched the 40-degree mark — on April 16 when Safdarjung recorded a high of 40.1 degree Celsius.
Delhi recorded more days below the ‘normal’ mark this April compared with the days where the temperature was ‘above’ normal. As many as 19 out of 30 days were below the normal mark, with the maximum falling as low as 31.4 degrees Celsius on April 27 — seven degrees below normal. Met officials say a spell of western disturbances, gusty winds and rain have kept Delhi’s temperature under check, not allowing it to rise too rapidly. The month also witnessed more western disturbances than normal — six, as compared to four generally seen in April.
The monthly average at 35.5 degrees Celsius is also nearly one degree below the ‘normal’ monthly average mark of 36.3 degrees Celsius. Forecasts show the early part of May may record similar temperatures, with the maximum dropping to around 35 degrees by Tuesday due to another western disturbance bringing rain. The IMD has forecast light showers on both Monday and Tuesday, with temperature forecast to not touch 40 degrees until Wednesday.
Kuldeep Srivastava, scientist at IMD, told TOI that a spell of western disturbances in April did not allow the temperature to rise too rapidly. This could continue in the early part of May as well.
“We’ve received more western disturbances than usual and while only 3-4 brought rain, each western disturbance made the skies overcast and brought down the temperature,” said Srivastava. The temperatures were lower only in April 2012, when the capital recorded no days in April above the 40-degree mark.
RK Jenamani, scientist at the regional weather forecasting centre, says this trend is likely to continue, owing to another western disturbance influencing the region, meaning temperatures are unlikely to rise until May 10.
Delhi recorded light showers on Thursday as well in some areas, making it six rainy days in the month of April. This was accompanied with gusty winds ranging from 30-40 km/hr in parts of the capital.
Delhi recorded more days below the ‘normal’ mark this April compared with the days where the temperature was ‘above’ normal. As many as 19 out of 30 days were below the normal mark, with the maximum falling as low as 31.4 degrees Celsius on April 27 — seven degrees below normal. Met officials say a spell of western disturbances, gusty winds and rain have kept Delhi’s temperature under check, not allowing it to rise too rapidly. The month also witnessed more western disturbances than normal — six, as compared to four generally seen in April.
The monthly average at 35.5 degrees Celsius is also nearly one degree below the ‘normal’ monthly average mark of 36.3 degrees Celsius. Forecasts show the early part of May may record similar temperatures, with the maximum dropping to around 35 degrees by Tuesday due to another western disturbance bringing rain. The IMD has forecast light showers on both Monday and Tuesday, with temperature forecast to not touch 40 degrees until Wednesday.
Kuldeep Srivastava, scientist at IMD, told TOI that a spell of western disturbances in April did not allow the temperature to rise too rapidly. This could continue in the early part of May as well.
“We’ve received more western disturbances than usual and while only 3-4 brought rain, each western disturbance made the skies overcast and brought down the temperature,” said Srivastava. The temperatures were lower only in April 2012, when the capital recorded no days in April above the 40-degree mark.
RK Jenamani, scientist at the regional weather forecasting centre, says this trend is likely to continue, owing to another western disturbance influencing the region, meaning temperatures are unlikely to rise until May 10.
Delhi recorded light showers on Thursday as well in some areas, making it six rainy days in the month of April. This was accompanied with gusty winds ranging from 30-40 km/hr in parts of the capital.
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