Delhi experiences hottest day at 44.5 Deg C

New Delhi, May 6 (UNI) Delhi today witnessed the hottest day of the season so far with the maximum temperature rising up to 44.5 degrees celsius.

The minimum also shot up to 23.8 degrees Celsius from yesterday's 21.3 degrees Celsius.

Delhiites, who are already battling a severe power crisis, were forced to remain inside and are likely not to get any respite from the sweltering heat in the next few days.

The Meteorological department said the maximum was five degrees above normal and has forecast further rise in the temperature over the next few days.

However, it ruled out the possibility of a heatwave gripping the national capital despite Rajasthan and Punjab reeling under it.

Towards the evening, there is a possibility of dust or thunder storm in some areas of the national capital.

Yesterday, the capital recorded the maximum of 43.8 degrees Celsius.

Temperatures in Delhi during May have risen much higher earlier also. On May 19 2002, the maximum soared to 46 degrees Celsius and it touched 45 degrees Celsius on May 10 and May 12 the same year.

But last year, the maximum during May remained below 43 degrees Celsius.

UNI NR RR KN1831