In a surprising turn of events, Delhi experienced shallow fog on Thursday morning, which is unusual for this time of the year. The minimum temperature dropped to 15.8 degrees Celsius, making it the third coldest morning in May since 1901. Historically, May has been the hottest month in Delhi with a mean maximum temperature of 39.5 degrees Celsius.
The cool weather and sporadic rain have been attributed to back-to-back western disturbances affecting northwest India. The high moisture content in the air, calm winds, and significant difference between the daytime and nighttime temperatures create conditions favourable for the formation of fog, according to weather officials. The Safdarjung Observatory, Delhi's primary weather station, recorded 30 mm of rainfall in 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Thursday. Another spell of rain is likely from Friday onwards. Videos and pictures of fog blanketing the city's skyline were posted on social media by residents, who were surprised to see fog in Delhi during the summer months. "Fog in Delhi on a summer morning! Same time last year, we were in a heat wave!" said one person. The Safdarjung Observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 30.6 degrees Celsius, nine notches below normal, on Wednesday and a minimum temperature of 15.8 degrees Celsius on Thursday, the third lowest in the month since weather keeping began in 1901. Humidity levels ranged between 80 per cent and 100 per cent at most places in the city.
The city had recorded more than 20 mm of rainfall in April, the highest in the month since 2017, due to back-to-back western disturbances. The maximum temperature settled at 28.7 degrees Celsius on Sunday and dropped to 26.2 degrees Celsius on Monday, making it the coolest first day of May ever since weather keeping started in the country. Another western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India starting May 5. Under its influence, cloudy skies and sporadic rain is predicted in the capital until May 7. The maximum temperature is predicted to remain below 35 degrees Celsius until May 8. The Met Office has predicted below-normal maximum temperatures and fewer heatwave days in northwest India in May. This is a welcome relief for the residents of the capital, who have been facing harsh summer conditions in recent years. The city has been grappling with rising temperatures and deteriorating air quality due to increasing pollution levels. The cool weather and sporadic rain have brought much-needed relief and are a reminder of the importance of preserving the environment for a sustainable future.
In conclusion, the shallow fog and cool weather in Delhi during May are unprecedented events. The western disturbances affecting northwest India have brought much-needed relief to the residents of the capital, who are used to harsh summer conditions. The cool weather and sporadic rain are a reminder of the importance of preserving the environment and mitigating climate change for a sustainable future. The Met Office's prediction of below-normal maximum temperatures and fewer heatwave days in northwest India in May is a welcome relief and offers hope for a better future.
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