Light rain likely in Delhi in middle of next week

NEW DELHI: There was a slight decline in maximum temperature which was recorded at 41.8 degrees Celsius on Saturday even though it remained above normal for the second consecutive day, officials said. No heatwave conditions were reported.
The daytime temperature was 42.5 degrees Celsius on Friday - the hottest day of the year so far.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the daytime temperature is likely to hover around 42 degrees Celsius for the next two days.
On Saturday, Najafgarh was the hottest station at 43.4 degrees Celsius, followed by Pusa (43.3). Palam, Lodhi Road, Ridge and Ayanagar reported 41.6, 40.8, 41.3 and 41.6 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Kuldeep Srivastava, scientist and head, Regional Weather Forecasting Centre, said the maximum temperature did not increase on Saturday due to easterly winds and a rise in moisture. There was a rise in moisture due to the influence of a western disturbance, he said. "When northwesterly winds blow during the winter season, it brings cold air to Delhi from snow-capped mountains. However, in the summer season, the northwesterly winds are warm as they come from areas with recording high temperatures. Easterly winds in the summer season are relatively less warm than the northwesterly winds," said Srivastava.
The minimum temperature was recorded at 22 degrees Celsius, three notches below normal. The relative humidity oscillated from 26% to 72%.
There is a possibility of a duststorm or thunderstorm towards the afternoon or evening on Sunday. However, under the influence of another western disturbance, there is a possibility of very light rain or drizzling at one or two places on Tuesday and Wednesday.
"Isolated places may see drizzling on May 17 due to the impact of a western disturbance. Though no major relief is expected, the temperature may dip slightly to 41 degrees Celsius on May 16 and 17," said Srivastava.
Delhi's air quality, meanwhile, continued to remain in the 'poor' category with an AQI of 235. The air quality is likely to improve and reach the 'moderate' category on Sunday, according to Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi.