Typically by this time of the year, Delhi comes under the grip of Loo, the hot and dry summer winds that blow in from central Pakistan region and the great Thar desert in Rajasthan. The westerly/north westerly winds, locally known as Loo in North India, bring a lot of dust and much despair to the cleanliness freak.
As we approach the end of April, Delhiites get prepared for hot weather accompanied these afternoon winds, especially strong in the months of May and June when temperatures shoot up to high-thirties and going beyond forties at times. Delhi witnesses Loo till the arrival of monsoon and few hours of exposure to it could be detrimental to health and can even lead to fatal heat strokes.
On the contrary, the month of May is gone and weather in North India has been relatively pleasant till now due to simultaneous Western Disturbances bringing short and frequent spells of rain in the region including Delhi/NCR.
The plains of North India have been observing dust storm, rain and strong winds for the last couple of days, under the influence Western Disturbance and moist winds from the east. This year temperatures in these regions have been under check due to occurrence of such activities frequently.
Delhi is known for its punishing summers and blistering heat. In fact the month of May generally witnesses day temperatures in mid-forties and the highest so far was 47.2°C Safdarjung, in the year 1944. However, this month experienced only three spells of heat before this, once in the beginning of the month and then again on 24th of May when maximum touched the highest of the season at 43.6°C.
The last spell of heat was witnessed on 29th of May when Delhi was sizzling with Palam recording a maximum of 46°C and the Safdarjung Observatory recorded the highest maximum of the season at 43.7°C. However, contradictory to several media reports, this wasn't the highest maximum of last 16 years. According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) records maximum soared to record 47.2°C on 24th May, 2013, clearly indicating that the weather on last Thursday definitely wasn't as bad as last year.
These were the only three spells when Delhi witnessed Loo but the days of relative comfort are nearing an end, according to Skymet Meteorology Division in India. The maximums are likely to witness a sudden rise under the influence of westerly winds from the Thar desert. Cities like Delhi, Amritsar, Ganganagar, Ludhiana, Karnal, Hisar, Agra and Jaipur will start becoming extremely hot and uncomfortable.
The Safdarjung Observatory in Delhi recorded maximum of 39.9°C on Monday and according to latest weather update by Skymet Meteorology Division in India, temperatures will rise gradually in the next 5 days. Click here to know how to combat heat and Loo in Delhi.
