MAX TEMPERATURE FALLS BELOW 30 DEGREES FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE FEBRUARY 24

Strong surface winds of 30-40 km/hour during the day brought Delhi’s maximum temperature below 30 degrees Celsius for the first time since February 24 (when it was 29.8 degrees Celsius), officials said. The Capital recorded a maximum temperature of 29.7 degrees Celsius on Saturday, which is still three degrees above normal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a gradual rise in temperature in the region from Sunday, with the maximum temperature to rise over the 30-degree mark and hover between 31 and 33 degrees Celsius till March 10.

Kuldeep Srivastava, a scientist at IMD, said Delhi-ncr witnessed strong surface winds on the back of a western disturbance influencing northwest India, which has subsequently created an induced cyclonic circulation over Rajasthan. “This cyclonic circulation led to rain in parts of Rajasthan and is sending strong winds towards Delhi, along with a cloudy sky,” he said.

Thought the impact of this cyclonic circulation is expected to continue on Sunday too, Srivastava said the western disturbance is departing and a slight rise in temperature is once again expected. “We are not likely to see strong winds on Sunday and with the western disturbance departing, the maximum temperature is likely to cross the 30-degree mark again,” he said.

Delhi’s minimum temperature on Saturday was 13.1 degrees Celsius, which is three degrees above normal. Forecast for Sunday showed maximum and minimum temperatures of 31 and 15 degrees Celsius, respectively.

DELHI’S MINIMUM TEMPERATURE ON SATURDAY WAS 13.1 DEGREES CELSIUS, THREE DEGREES ABOVE NORMAL