Delhi sizzles at 42.1°C, relief unlikely till June 12

As the Capital baked under a blazing sun and dust-laden winds on Sunday, Delhiites were left battling rising temperatures and sticky discomfort — with no immediate relief in sight.

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According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), strong surface winds will continue on Monday, with the maximum temperature expected to touch 43°C. Sunday wasn’t much kinder either, as mercury levels soared well above normal in most parts of the city.

The Safdarjung observatory, Delhi’s official weather station, recorded a maximum of 42.1°C — 2.1 degrees above the seasonal average. But it was Ayanagar that recorded the highest daytime temperature at a scorching 44.1°C. Palam registered 43.6°C, Ridge 42.9°C, and Lodi Road 42.3°C.

Minimum temperatures remained on the higher side too, ranging from 26°C to 29.2°C, with Ayanagar again topping the chart for the warmest night.

Despite the uncomfortable weather, the IMD clarified that no heatwave was declared in the region, as the temperature departures remained within 3°C of the norm. “Hot and humid conditions are expected to persist over Delhi-NCR till at least June 12,” an IMD official said. Humidity added to the discomfort, with relative humidity touching 31% in the evening.

Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality stayed in the ‘moderate’ category on Sunday, with an AQI reading of 198 at 6 pm, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.

So, while there may be no ‘heatwave’ on record just yet, residents are certainly feeling the heat and with rising temperatures and dry winds forecast in the coming days, the city will have to sweat it out a little longer.