Mercury hits 11-year high of 46.6oC at IGIA - Daily Pioneer

Mercury hits 11-year high of 46.6oC at IGIA

Friday, 06 June 2014 | Staff Reporter | New Delhi

Delhiites had to sweat it out on Thursday as day temperatures soared to break a five-year record settling at 44.7 degrees Celsius.

The mercury surged at IGI Airport as well with a maximum temperature of 46.6 degrees Celsius — the highest in 11 years. No respite is in sight for the denizens of Delhi in the coming days as the Met Department has ruled out any possibility of rain, but predicted only further increase in temperatures. The demand for power in the Capital also moved northwards with the peak demand recorded at 5,250 MW.

Delhi experienced the hottest day of the season on Thursday as the maximum temperature was recorded four degrees above normal to settle at 44.7 degrees Celsius. The previous highest for the season was recorded on May 29 when the temperature was 43.7 degrees. The minimum temperature settled at 27.7 degrees which was normal for this time of the summer. Humidity, which oscillated between 22 per cent and 63 per cent, added to the misery of the residents. People, who ventured out of their homes and offices, had to suffer due to the sizzling heat and humid weather conditions.

The maximum temperature stood at an all time high in five years. “Temperatures never went up to even 43 degree Celsius since 2009, forget hitting 44 degrees on the same date. The years 2009, 2013 and 2013 had witnessed a maximum of 42 degree Celsius on June 5. This year is clearly the highest in half a decade,” said an official in the Met Department adding that on June 1, 2012, the maximum temperature was recorded at 45.4 degree Celsius.

The maximum temperature at Palam was recorded at 46.6 degrees Celsius which is also highest for the area for the season and also in 11 years. “On June 5, 2003, Palam had recorded a maximum temperature of 47.1degree Celsius. Since then, Thursday has come as the highest in 11 years. Otherwise on June 16, 1995 the temperature had risen to 47.4 degree Celsius,” said Dr RK Jenamani, Director (IC), IGI Met office.

The heat is not likely to ease till Sunday, said Met officials. “Temperatures are likely to remain at 45 degree Celsius till the weekend. No rain is expected due to the absence of a western disturbance,” said a Met official. On Friday, the temperature is likely to touch 45 degree Celsius while the minimum will be 28 degrees.

With the sizzling heat wave enveloping the Capital, city dwellers are looking forward to the monsoons. While the official date of the arrival of monsoons in Delhi is June 29, Met officials have not yet predicted the exact date of its arrival this year.