Close to 40 degree Celsius, mercury to stay high in Delhi for now

NEW DELHI: The maximum temperature on Thursday rose to 39.9 degrees Celsius, which was 1.5 degrees higher than Wednesday's temperature. India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the day temperature is likely to hover around 41-42 degrees Celsius for the next seven days. There is a possibility of very light rain or drizzle at isolated places on Friday night.
Safdarjung, which is the city's base station, remained below 40 degrees Celsius. At 42.1 degrees, Sports Complex in CWG village and Pitampura were the hottest stations.
Ridge, Palam, Ayanagar, Jafarpur, Mungeshpur, Najafgarh and Pusa recorded the maximum temperature at 41.2, 40.4, 40, 40.5, 41.1, 41.9 and 41.6 degrees Celsius, respectively, on Thursday.
The minimum temperature on Thursday was reported at 23.9 degrees Celsius, four degrees below normal. The relative humidity oscillated between 36% and 76%.
The day temperature is likely to rise to 41 degrees Celsius on Friday. "Strong surface winds are expected to blow at the speed of 20-30 kmph during the daytime from Friday to June 14. Due to strong winds, the mercury would remain around 41-42 degrees Celsius," said a Met official.
IMD's data shows that the maximum temperature has been staying below 40 degrees Celsius since May 24 at Safdarjung. TOI had reported that this is the first season in a decade when Safdarjung did not witness a single heatwave day.
Heatwave conditions usually abate in the Delhi region by June 10. Met officials said a heatwave was unlikely for the next seven days.
Delhi's air quality, meanwhile, continued to stay in the 'moderate' category with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 161. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the air quality is likely to remain 'moderate' on Friday, but it is likely to deteriorate and reach the 'poor' category on Saturday. The air quality is likely to improve and reach the 'moderate' category on Sunday.