Dust storm, light rain bring relief from scorching heat in Delhi

A dust storm blowing at a speed of 39 kms per hour hit the Safdarjung observatory during the evening hours when temperature was 39.2 degrees.

New Delhi, Apr 22: A dust storm accompanied by light rains lashed parts of the national capital offering much needed relief to Delhiites who were reeling under extreme heat for the last few days.

A dust storm blowing at a speed of 39 kms per hour hit the Safdarjung observatory during the evening hours with the maximum temperature being recorded at 39.2 degrees Celsius, a notch above the season's average. Today's minimum temperature was recorded at 29 degrees, six notches above the normal, making it the highest in the last six years.

The recording of the Safdarjung observatory is considered the official figure for the city. "Traces" of rainfall was recorded at the Ridge and Ayanagar, said a Met department official.

The Palam observatory registered a maximum temperature of 40.4 degrees, while areas under Lodhi Road, Ridge and Ayanagar recorded a day temperature of 39.2, 39.7 and 40 degrees Celsius respectively, a MeT department official said.

Humidity levels oscillated between 64 and 39 per cent. The Met office predicted overcast conditions along with the possibility of thundery developments in some areas.

"The skies will be partly cloudy and thundery developments are likely in some areas. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 39 and 26 degrees Celsius, respectively," the official said.

On Friday, the maximum and minimum temperatures had settled at 40.2 and 28.9 degrees Celsius.

PTI