Delhi sizzles at 42 degrees celsius, relief likely after July 2

NEW DELHI: For the second consecutive day on Wednesday, Delhi witnessed intense heatwave conditions with the mercury soaring to 43.5 degrees celsius, the India meteorological department (IMD) said.
The IMD said that the capital may get some respite from the scorching heat on July 2 and July 3 due to light rain.
The IMD's regional forecasting centre said the onset of monsoon will be delayed as the conditions are still not favourable.
On Tuesday, Delhi had witnessed the first severe heatwave of the year with its maximum temperature soaring to 43 degrees celsius.
On Monday, the IMD had predicted that Delhi and its nearby areas will have to wait for another week before experiencing the first monsoon showers.
After arriving two days late in Kerala, the monsoon had raced across the country, covering eastern, central and adjoining northwest India, seven to 10 days ahead of schedule, the IMD said.
"The southwest monsoon has so far covered most parts of the country except parts of Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab. Since June 19, there has not been any progress of monsoon. This is mainly due to the impact of mid-latitude westerly winds and unfavourable Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) and the absence of formation of low pressure system over North Bay of Bengal," IMD said.
Earlier, the met department had said that the wind system may reach Delhi by June 15, which would have been 12 days early. However, westerly winds have been blocking its advancement into Delhi, parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana.
Normally, monsoon reaches Delhi by June 27 and covers the entire country by July 8.
(With inputs from agencies)