Is Delhi Facing Unbearable Heat and High Humidity? IMD Predicts Light Rain

Synopsis
As Delhi grapples with extreme heat and high humidity, the IMD forecasts light rain and thunderstorms. Will this bring any relief? Stay tuned as we explore the impact of this oppressive weather on the city and its residents.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi is facing extreme heat and high humidity.
- The IMD predicts thunderstorms and light rain as potential relief.
- Humidity levels are significantly elevated, impacting comfort.
- The city's peak electricity demand has hit record highs.
- Residents are advised to stay indoors during peak heat hours.
New Delhi, May 21 (NationPress) The capital city experienced yet another day of extreme heat on Wednesday, with soaring temperatures coupled with high humidity making conditions nearly intolerable. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that light rain, along with thunderstorms, may provide some much-needed relief.
According to the IMD, a combination of meteorological factors is driving this oppressive weather pattern.
A series of western disturbances are impacting northern India, leading to sporadic rainfall and thunderstorms. Additionally, a cyclonic circulation over the Arabian Sea is funneling moist air into Delhi, significantly elevating humidity levels.
Fortunately, relief may be on the way. The IMD has predicted thunderstorms paired with light rain on Wednesday, potentially offering a brief respite from the heat. The minimum temperature is projected to be around 28 degrees Celsius, while the maximum could reach approximately 39 degrees Celsius.
On Tuesday, the IMD recorded a maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius at the Safdarjung station around 5:30 p.m. However, with humidity levels at 43 percent, it felt closer to a blistering 50 degrees Celsius.
The suffocating weather has prompted residents to seek shade and indoor refuge, with many choosing to avoid outdoor activities altogether. IMD officials noted that the discomfort index, which gauges perceived temperature, spiked significantly due to the high moisture content in the air.
Compounding the city's heat stress, Delhi's peak electricity demand soared to a record high of 7,401 megawatts at 3:11 p.m. on Tuesday, surpassing the previous day's high of 7,265 megawatts, as air conditioners and cooling devices operated at full throttle to mitigate the heat. The oppressive humidity exacerbated the discomfort.
Earlier on Monday, humidity levels reached an unusually high 74 percent, a rarity for Delhi in May, further intensifying the heat.
Despite the potential for temporary relief, weather experts caution that elevated humidity levels are likely to persist, making the coming days uncomfortable.
With the monsoon anticipated only in the last week of June, residents of Delhi may need to prepare for ongoing heat and humidity for several more weeks.