Dust haze leads causes mercury to dip in Delhi

The dust haze over the national capital today turned out to be a blessing in disguise for residents as maximum temperature dropped by about three degrees Celsius from yesterday's season's highest of 44.2 degrees.

The dust haze over the national capital on Saturday turned out to be a blessing in disguise for residents as maximum temperature dropped by about three degrees Celsius from yesterday's season's highest of 44.2 degrees.

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The maximum was recorded at a maximum of 41.5 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal, this afternoon while the minimum was 27.6 degrees Celsius, four degrees above normal. Yesterday, the minimum was 24.8 degrees Celsius.

"Dust in the atmosphere prevented incoming solar radiation. This has resulted in a drop in temperature," B P Yadav, Director of Indian Meteorological Department, said.

The capital had sizzled yesterday with the mercury rising to touch 44.2 degrees Celsius as dry winds from the deserts of Rajasthan blew over the city with a vengeance.

The maximum temperature was keeping with an upward trend in the past few days forcing most people to remain indoors and use protective cover to escape from the scorching sun.

In the past 10 years, the month of May has recorded maximum of above 44 degrees Celsius five times. The record in the past ten years was 46 degrees Celsius, which was recorded on May 19, 2002.

The all-time record for the month was recorded on May 29, 1944 when the mercury soared to 47.2 degrees Celsius.