Delhi Weather Update: Record High Temperatures and Crop Damage

Brief NCR, New Delhi: Friday saw a dramatic shift in weather patterns in the capital city of Delhi. Initially, the day started with strong sunshine, resulting in temperatures soaring five degrees higher than the seasonal average. However, towards the evening, clouds rolled in, and the atmosphere became overcast. The weather turned pleasant later, owing to the arrival of strong winds and rainfall in the surrounding regions.

The maximum temperature for the day was recorded at 37.8 degrees Celsius at Delhi’s Standard Observatory Safdarjung, marking the highest temperature of the season. Conversely, the minimum temperature settled at 20.5 degrees Celsius, which is two degrees above the normal range.

Humidity levels fluctuated between 79 to 35 percent throughout the day. Notably, Delhi’s Sports Complex and Najafgarh also experienced high temperatures, reaching 38.5 and 38 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Forecast and Impact

The Meteorological Department anticipates the continuation of this weather pattern into Saturday, with the influence of a western disturbance likely to bring light drizzles to various areas of Delhi.

Crop Damage due to Hailstorm

Friday evening witnessed an abrupt change in weather, with Gurugram and Rewari experiencing heavy hailstorms. Pataudi and Rewari bore the brunt of the hailstorm, with significant damage reported in the Dharuheda area. Several acres of ripe wheat crops suffered extensive damage due to the hailstorm.

Following a dust storm around 5 pm, heavy hailstorms ensued in numerous villages of Rewari and Pataudi. Particularly, Dharuhera and Kapriwas were severely affected, witnessing substantial damage to wheat and mustard crops.

Farmers faced disappointment as the hail wreaked havoc on their crops, shattering wheat ears and causing extensive destruction. The sudden storm not only damaged standing crops but also scattered harvested mustard crops. Some farmers managed to salvage portions of their mustard crop, while others were left with complete devastation.

Relief Amidst the Heat

In Noida city, residents grappled with scorching temperatures during the afternoon. However, relief arrived in the form of drizzles later in the evening, offering respite from the sweltering heat. The maximum temperature in the district peaked at 37 degrees Celsius, exceeding the normal range by four degrees.

Conversely, the minimum temperature stood at 21 degrees Celsius, providing a contrast to the daytime heat. Humidity levels varied between 37 to 74 percent.

Notably, Greater Noida ranked as the second most polluted city in the Delhi-NCR region on Friday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 180 in the yellow zone, while Noida recorded an AQI of 155.

The fluctuating weather conditions experienced on Friday, ranging from scorching heat to sudden hailstorms, underscore the unpredictable nature of climate patterns in the region.

While the rainfall brought relief to residents, it also resulted in crop damage, posing challenges for farmers. As weather forecasts indicate the persistence of these conditions, residents and agricultural communities are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate any potential risks.