‘Unbearable heat’: Delhi’s mercury crosses 45 degree Celsius

New DelhiThe maximum temperature crossed the 45-degree mark in some parts of Delhi on Sunday, with Najafgarh recording the highest of 46.3 degrees Celsius, the India Meteorological Department said. According to the Met office, observatories in Narela and Pitampura recorded 45 degrees Celsius, Ayanagar and Ridge 44 degrees Celsius and Palam 43.8 degrees Celsius. The observatory at Safdarjung recorded a maximum temperature of 42.9 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season’s average.

There was less traffic on the roads in the afternoon and the usually crowded streets were eerily silent.

Varsha Pillai, a resident of Lajpat Nagar, said, “I had to go to the market, but the heat outside was unbearable, so I did not go. The temperature has risen so much that even the ACs are not providing any relief.”

Officials said a fresh western disturbance may bring respite from the hot weather conditions from May 24, with light rain and cloudy sky expected for three to four days.

The relative humidity level on Sunday ranged between 25 per cent and 74 per cent.

The India Meteorological Department said the night temperature settled at 24 degrees Celsius, three notches below normal.

The weather office has predicted partly cloudy sky and heatwave conditions at isolated places on Monday. It has also predicted strong surface winds reaching speeds of 25-35 kmph during the day.

The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to settle at 43 and 26 degrees Celsius, respectively.

The national capital recorded a minimum temperature of 23.2 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 40.4 degrees Celsius on Saturday.