Warm weekend ahead for Delhi as mercury set to rise sharply, expected to soar above 40°C
1 min read 20 May 2023, 10:37 AM ISTDelhi is set to experience a warm weekend, Indian Meteorological Department officials predict a sharp rise in temperatures over the next 48 hours.
PremiumDelhi is set to experience a warm weekend as meteorological department officials predict a sharp rise in temperatures over the next 48 hours. The maximum temperature is expected to range between 41°C and 43°C in most areas. However, relief is on the horizon as a fresh western disturbance is forecasted to bring light rain on May 23 and 24.
While Saturday's air quality is expected to remain largely unchanged, there might be a dip in air quality on Sunday. Safdarjung, which represents Delhi's weather, recorded a maximum temperature of 38.2°C on Friday, two degrees below normal but two degrees higher than the previous day's temperature of 36.5°C.
Kuldeep Srivastava, a scientist at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), attributed the recent dip in temperature to strong winds and rain in the region on Thursday morning. He explained that a western disturbance influenced the area, bringing gusty winds of 55kmph and light showers. As its impact recedes, clear skies are expected from Saturday onwards, leading to a rise in temperatures. Srivastava mentioned that Safdarjung may reach around 41 or 42°C, with other parts of Delhi experiencing even higher temperatures. Furthermore, the upcoming western disturbance may bring rain on May 23 and 24.
On Friday, Najafgarh recorded the highest maximum temperature in Delhi at 40.1°C, followed by 40°C at the Sports Complex station (Akshardham). Gurugram registered a maximum temperature of 38.5°C, while Noida reached 37.8°C.
Regarding minimum temperatures, Delhi recorded a low of 24.4°C on Friday, higher than Thursday's 21.9°C. Forecasts for the weekend indicate minimum temperatures ranging between 24°C and 25°C.
Delhi's air quality remained in the "moderate" category, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 152, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. This marks a slight deterioration from the previous day's AQI of 149.
The forecast by the Early Warning System for Delhi, under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, suggests that the AQI is likely to remain "moderate" on Saturday before deteriorating to "poor" on Sunday. The outlook for the following six days indicates that air quality will mostly fluctuate between "poor" and "moderate."
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