New Delhi: Delhiites experienced a hot and sunny day on Saturday as the maximum temperature rose to 31.1 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal, at Safdarjung, the city's base weather station. It was 29.5 degrees Celsius a day earlier. However, the daytime temperature is predicted to stay over 30 degrees Celsius over the next few days.
On Saturday, Ridge in north Delhi was the hottest station, with the mercury settling at 32.3 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Pitampura at 32.2 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature at Safdarjung was reported at 13.4 degrees Celsius, one degree below normal, compared to 10.2 degrees Celsius a day earlier.
The India Meteorological Department predicts a marginal rise in the maximum temperature over the coming days, with temperatures expected to reach 32-34 degrees Celsius by March 11. A Met official noted, "A fresh western disturbance is expected to affect the region from March 9, though it is likely to be weak. However, another western disturbance may influence the area, potentially leading to very light rain or drizzle on March 14."
Following the imposition of Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) a day earlier, the air quality in Delhi improved to the moderate category on Saturday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 158, an improvement from the previous day's 'poor' range of 202.
According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, the air quality is expected to remain in the 'moderate' category on Sunday but may deteriorate to 'poor' on Monday and Tuesday."