Delhi breaches maximum temperature of 49-degree mark today

As the national capital continues to battle the scorching heatwave, the maximum temperature in Delhi breached the 49-degree mark. However, some respite from the heat can be expected in the coming days, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday predicted a partly cloudy sky with the possibility of a dust storm or thunderstorm. The maximum and minimum temperatures would be 41 and 28 degrees celcius respectively, the weather body said.

With scanty rains owing to feeble Western Disturbances, Delhi had recorded its second hottest April this year since 1951 with a



monthly average maximum temperature of 40.2 degrees Celsius.

A heatwave at the end of that month had sent the maximum soaring to 46 and 47 degrees Celsius in several parts of the city.

Delhi received a minuscule 0.3 mm of rainfall in April against a monthly average of 12.2 mm. March saw no rainfall against a normal of 15.9 mm. The IMD had predicted above-normal temperatures in May.

Earlier today, the IMD predicted that the maximum temperature at the Safdarjung Observatory, Delhi's base station, is likely to rise to 45 degrees Celsius.