After a cool day, scorching heat returns to Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 19 (UNI) After a relatively cool day which saw a strong squall bring down mercury in Delhi, scorching heat returned to the capital today with the temperature rising to 38.5 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal.

The rise in mercury, from 35 degrees yesterday, forced Delhiites to again remain ensconced in the comfort of their homes and offices.

The heat is expected to intensify in the coming days with the weathermen forecasting a rise in day temperature by 1-2 degrees in Delhi and other parts of North-West India over the next two days.

''Rise in day temperature by 1-2 degree is likely over North-West India during the next 48 hours.'' The Met office has forecasted mainly clear sky in Delhi during the next 24 hours with the possibility of some thundery development.

The maximum temperature will remain at around 38 degree tomorrow.

The soaring mercury also led to a slight increase in the peak power demand today to 3297 MW, from 3258 MW yesterday.

However, a spokesperson of the Delhi Transco said the peak Load was met without any loadshedding.

Rotational Load shedding was, however, resorted to towards the evening, he said.

UNI