This May was coolest in 13 years in Delhi

NEW DELHI: Delhi recorded its coolest May in 13 years with both the average maximum and minimum temperatures staying below normal on most of the days of the month.
After a spate of western disturbances and nine rainy days and due to the impact of Cyclone Tauktae and Cyclone Yaas, the monthly average maximum temperature was recorded at 37.5 degrees Celsius in the city. Before this, it was lower in May 2008 at 37 degrees Celsius. The average minimum temperature was recorded at 23.2 degrees Celsius, which was lowest since 1967. In May 1982, the mercury had dipped to the same level.

Though May is known for sweltering conditions, no heat wave was recorded this year. Four heat waves had swept the city in May 2020. A heat wave is declared when the maximum temperature is 45 degrees Celsius or above or when the maximum temperature is at least 4.5 degrees above normal. The normal temperature around this time of the month is 40.4 degrees Celsius.
The average maximum temperature reported in May was two degrees below normal. The mean minimum temperature recorded in the same month was 2.6 degrees below normal, according to data of India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Kuldeep Srivastava, scientist at IMD and head, Regional Weather Forecasting Centre, said, "As many as six western disturbances impacted the region in May this year and the temperatures remained lower than normal on most of the days of the month. Both cyclones had an effect on the weather in the region. Under the influence of Cyclone Tauktae, the city recorded the highest rainfall ever. Due to the impact of Cyclone Yaas, the easterly winds led to a drop in the temperature."
IMD data shows that the maximum temperature mostly hovered around 40 to 46 degrees Celsius in the second half of the month last year. However, the day temperature remained below the 40-degree mark on most days during the same period this year.
This May broke many records as highest single-day rainfall was recorded at 119.3mm on May 19. It surpassed the all-time record of 24-hour rainfall of 60mm recorded in 1976. Besides, Delhi received nearly seven times more rainfall this month than normal. The city recorded 144.8mm rainfall in May this year while the normal for the month is 19.7mm rainfall.