Week-Long Stormy Conditions For Delhi, Heat Wave Remains In Abeyance

The month of April was fairly warm for Delhi. Base station Safdarjung recorded above normal temperature on most days with heat wave conditions for three days between 07th and 09th April.  Fag end of the month eased out a bit, as the temperature dropped marginally below normal on 29th and 30th April.  Month of May, unlike its hot flavour, will start on a pleasing note. In the first week of the month, the day temperatures will remain below normal and there will be interspersed stormy conditions, comforting the seasonal heat stress.

Month of May is supposed to be the hottest month with normal temperature around 39°-40°C throughout. Invariably, the temperature climbs to mid-40’s for few days in the month. Last year, the maximum temperature reached 46.8°C on 30th May, which was the highest in the last two decades. Since 2009, the lowest day maximum temperature of 41.6°C  was recorded on 05th May 2021. An all time high of 47.2°C was registered way back on 29th May 1944.

A western disturbance, as an upper air system, is arriving shortly over the mountains. An induced cyclonic circulation is also coming up over the border areas of West Rajasthan and the adjacent Pakistan region. An east-west trough from this feature will run in close proximity to Delhi, even as this system will shift completely over North and East Rajasthan. The presence of this trough, aided by afternoon heat, will trigger thunderstorm-dust storm activity over Delhi/NCR between 01st and 08th May. The activity may skip in between for a day or so, but an extended spell of pre-monsoonal weather is expected going beyond mid-week next.

Rain and thundershowers, occasionally heavy, will be accompanied by strong winds and lightning strikes. Dust storms and thunderstorms are also likely during this period. Delhi/NCR will have a risk of gale-speed winds, kicking up dust to reduce visibility, making commuting difficult. The howling winds may blow away the loose objects and cause the felling of trees. Air operations may also get impacted, albeit briefly, resulting in delays, diversions, and congestion during this period.

The better side of this typical pre-monsoon spell will be relief from the excruciating May heat. The day temperature will swing between 35°-37°C. Courtesy of stormy conditions, the nights and early mornings will turn relatively pleasant. The classic sizzle of May will take a break and heat wave conditions will remain in abeyance during the first half of the month.