Heatwave in Noida again as rain keeps away

After four days of respite, a heatwave swept through the city again on Wednesday, even as the weather department predicted some respite on Thursday

After four days of respite, a heatwave swept through the city again on Wednesday, even as the weather department predicted some respite on Thursday. Dry and warm westerly winds and lack of rainfall (non-monsoon) and delay in the onset of monsoon have been cited as reasons by the weatherman for the soaring mercury.

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast rain for Wednesday, but residents woke up to a heatwave. Weather analysts, however,said there is still a possibility of thunderstorms and rain over the next five days. “The maximum temperature may hover around 41°C on Thursday but we also expect light rain towards the evening that may bring respite,” said an official from IMD.

On Wednesday, the mercury rose by over a degree in Noida, while the average rise in temperature across the region (NCR) was 2 degrees Celsius (°C).

“The entire region of Delhi and Noida experienced a heatwave on Wednesday because there was no rain -- it should have rained on Wednesday. We expect rain on Thursday now, which may bring a slight respite from the heat. The region is getting warm, dry westerly winds, causing the heat to rise. There is a possibility of the south-west monsoon arriving by July 10 or 11, while rainfall (pre-monsoon) will pick up from July 9 onwards,” said Mahesh Palawat, vice-president, meteorology and climate change, Skymet.

On Wednesday, Noida saw a maximum temperature of 41.7°C and a minimum of 31.2°C, against 40.6°C and 28.7°C,respectively, a day earlier.

At the Safdarjung monitoring station, considered the average for the National Capital Region, the maximum temperature was 42.6°C, 6°C higher than the season’s average, and the minimum 29.5°C, 2°C higher than season’s average.

According to weather analysts, a heatwave occurs when the maximum temperature is either 45°C and above, or is over 40°C and 5 degrees above the season’s average. Before Wednesday, the region suffered a heatwave for four days between June 29 and July 2.