Predictions of zero deg prove unfounded, mercury rises to 4.1 Deg C

New Delhi, Feb 1 (UNI) The prediction of the minimum temperature touching the zero Degrees Celsius mark today proved unfounded as the mercury rose to 4.1 Degree C even as the the Agro met office at Pusa recorded -0.1 Degrees Celsius.

Belying the forecasts of zero degrees temperature on February 1, the minimum temperature rose, from 3.4 Degree C yesterday, to 4.1 Degree C.

The chill, however, prevailed in the air with the mercury being recorded five degrees below normal.

In contrast to the Met department recording a rise in mercury, the Agometerological laboratory at Pusa said the mercury had plummeted to -0.1 degrees C.

The Met office, while confirming the Pusa observation, said it, however, did not represent the mercury level in the whole city.

Rather, they said, it was the mercury level prevailing in the rural areas on the outskirts of the city that was reflected in the Pusa observations.

''The mercury recorded at Pusa Agromet lab is always three to four degrees below that recorded by the Met department. Even yesterday, the Pusa laboratory recorded a minimum of 0.2 Degree C,'' the Met office said.

The maximum today also rose to 20.2 Degree C, two degrees below normal.

The Met office said the chill sweeping the city could abate by the weekend with the dissipation of the influence of cold Northwesterly winds.

They have forecast a rise in minimum temperature to 5 Degree C tomorrow.

The Met office have forecast a mainly clear sky in Delhi during the next 24 hours with light rains or thundershowers towards Saturday night or Sunday.

UNI AR VD HT1937