For the first time since 2014, Delhi’s primary weather station observed no heat wave in the pre-monsoon season

New Delhi: For the first time since 2014, Delhi’s primary weather station, Safdarjung Observatory, has not recorded any heat wave in the pre-monsoon season, officials said on Tuesday. However, some isolated areas witnessed heat wave conditions for a brief period in April and May, he said. Historically the hottest month of May in Delhi with an average maximum temperature of 39.5°C, this time recorded below normal temperature and excessive rainfall. Meteorologists attributed the phenomenon to higher-than-usual Western Disturbances – weather systems that originate over the Mediterranean region and bring unseasonal rain to northwest India – this pre-monsoon season (March to May).

Kuldeep Srivastava, head of the regional forecasting center of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), said, “Usually, five to six western disturbances are recorded over the northern plains in April and May. We have seen 10 western disturbances this time, including Most are strong.” ,

Delhi recorded maximum temperature above the 40-degree mark for only nine days in May, with heatwave conditions affecting some parts for two days.

According to IMD data, the Safdarjung observatory has recorded 86.7 mm of rainfall so far in May. The national capital receives an average of 19.7 mm of rainfall throughout the month.

The city recorded over 20 mm of rainfall in April, the highest in the month since 2017, and heat wave conditions in isolated areas.

Overall, Delhi has received 158 per cent excess rainfall during the pre-monsoon period this year – 161.2 mm against the normal of 62.6 mm.

“The Safdarjung observatory, which is representative of Delhi, has not recorded any heat wave in the pre-monsoon season this year. This is the first time since 2014,” Srivastava said.

The weather center recorded 13 heatwave days in the pre-monsoon season last year – nine in April and four in May. It saw just one heatwave day during this period in 2021, four in 2020 and one in 2019.

The heat wave threshold is met when the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C in plains, 37°C in coastal areas and 30°C in hilly areas and the departure from normal is at least 4.5°C. Is. ,

Rain, thunderstorm in Delhi; 10 flights diverted

The national capital was lashed by a strong wind with speed up to 80 kmph and rain on Tuesday evening, affecting vehicular movement and forcing several flights to be diverted. The IMD said that another western disturbance is likely to bring thunderstorms and rain over the northern plains including Delhi in the next few days. The maximum temperature is expected to remain below the 40-degree mark till June 5.

The Safdarjung observatory on Tuesday recorded a maximum temperature of 35.9 degrees Celsius, five notches below normal.

Moderate to severe thunderstorm accompanied with lightning and gusty winds, with a speed of 70-80 kmph, lashed Delhi, the weather office said.

As strong winds lashed across the city, many pedestrians ran for shelter as it started raining, while vehicular traffic was also affected.

“Due to inclement weather in Delhi, 10 Delhi-bound flights (nine from Jaipur and one from Lucknow) were diverted between 6:25 pm and 8 pm,” said an airport official.

The Met Office has issued a ‘yellow’ alert for Wednesday, warning of traffic disruptions and water-logging in low-lying areas due to the rain. The maximum temperature is expected to be around 35 degree Celsius.

With the IMD anticipating a slight delay in the arrival of the southwest monsoon, the maximum temperature is likely to remain above normal for a longer than normal period in June.

“During June, normal to above normal maximum temperatures are very likely over most parts of the country except extreme north and some parts of southern peninsular region,” the IMD said.