Even after the arrival of monsoon in Delhi, the weather did not become completely stable. Image Credit source: PTI
The weather in Delhi showed many colors between June and early July. There is strong sunlight and heat somewhere. The humidity increased somewhere. Dust storm occurred in many areas. Light rain occurred at some places, but continuous and widespread rain is still awaited. It is clear from the weather pattern of 30 days that the heat in Delhi did not end immediately. Even after the arrival of monsoon, the weather did not become completely stable. The collision of hot, dry air and moist air created conditions for thunderstorms, thunderstorms and scattered rain. Come, let us try to understand this entire issue.
Till the end of June, the maximum temperature in Delhi-NCR remained at 40 degrees Celsius or above for many days. The strong sunlight made the ground very hot. The night temperature also did not drop significantly. Due to this, people felt hot both during the day and night. Heat wave occurs when the maximum temperature goes much above normal and hot, dry winds blow.
Similar conditions persisted in many parts of North-West India. Delhi was affected by the hot winds coming from Rajasthan and surrounding dry areas. Lack of rain further increased this problem. When the land remains dry, it absorbs the sun’s heat faster. After this the surrounding air also becomes hotter. Concrete, roads, vehicles and buildings in cities trap heat for long periods of time. This is also called the urban heat island effect.
Heatwave troubled in June. Photo: PTI
Monsoon arrived, yet why was there no complete relief?
The arrival of monsoon in a city and its continuous activity are two different things. Even after favorable conditions of monsoon were created in Delhi, initially the rain did not fall equally in every area. Somewhere clouds came, strong wind blew and some drops fell. It rained with thunder at some places, but at many places the weather again became hot and humid.
The south-west monsoon brings moisture. But before reaching Delhi, its speed, wind direction and pressure system are very important. If the moist winds weaken or hot and dry winds persist from the west, then the scope of rain remains limited. At such times clouds are visible, but there is no continuous rain. In many weather reports, there was a possibility of partly cloudy sky, strong winds, dust storm and light rain for Delhi-NCR in the last days of June. Monsoon was predicted to become more active in the next few days, but in reality nothing concrete was seen.
There was no relief from monsoon. Photo: PTI
What is the cause of dust storm?
Three things are necessary for a dust storm. First, dry and loose soil. Second, intense heat. Third, high speed of wind. All three conditions were present in Delhi and its surrounding plains at the end of June. The ground became very hot during the day. Hot air rose up. On the other hand, cold or moist air reached some heights. Due to this difference the atmosphere became unstable. When the strong wind came downwards, it blew up the dust from the ground. This dust storm came before us. The dry land of neighboring areas like Rajasthan, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh also affects the air of Delhi. Strong westerly or south-westerly winds can bring dust particles to Delhi-NCR. Construction work, open soil, poor road sides and vacant plots also increase local dust. Visibility decreases during dust storms. There may be eye irritation. Difficulty in breathing increases. People with asthma, allergies and lung disease need more caution.
Condition of Delhi.
How do storm, lightning and rain get along?
Formation of local storm clouds is common in Delhi during the end of summer and beginning of monsoon. These are called convective clouds. The intense heat causes the air near the ground to rise. If it gets enough moisture, big clouds are formed. These clouds can bring thunder, lightning, strong wind and sudden rain. Many times it rains for a few minutes or hours after a strong storm. This brings down the temperature for a while, but if there is less rain and more humidity, then later the humidity increases. That’s why people feel that despite the rain the heat has not reduced. Around June 30, there was a possibility of sporadic drizzle along with dust storm and strong wind in Delhi. But nothing special was visible.
What does the 30 day pattern reveal?
The pattern of the last week of June and early July shows a transition period. The heat was intense in the beginning. The maximum temperature remained high. After this clouds and humidity started increasing. There was strong wind, storm and rain at some places. Then gradually the probability of rainy days increased. July is generally considered a monsoon month in Delhi. The temperature in this month is slightly lower than June, but the humidity remains high. According to climate data, the average maximum temperature of Delhi in July remains around 33 to 34 degrees Celsius and the amount of rainfall also increases. However, the distribution of rainfall is different every year. General rainfall may be good for the entire month, but it may also be concentrated on a few days. Therefore, the arrival of monsoon does not mean that it will rain every day or that the heat will end immediately.
What precautions are necessary for people?
One should avoid going out in the afternoon during heat wave. Keep taking fluids like water, ORS, lemonade or buttermilk. Wear light colored loose clothes. Pay special attention to children, elderly and sick people. Keep windows and doors closed during dust storms. If you are outside, cover your eyes and nose with a cloth or mask. Stay away from trees, electric poles and temporary structures. Keep your speed low while driving, as visibility may decrease suddenly. Do not stand in open fields, on rooftops and under trees during thunder and lightning. Check the weather department’s warnings regularly. This is the most useful preparation amid the rapid changes in weather in Delhi.
The 30-day weather pattern of Delhi shows that heat wave, dust storm and early monsoon rains are linked to each other. Dry and hot land increases heat waves and dust storms. As soon as the moisture arrives, conditions for thunderstorms, lightning and local rain are created, but the heat and humidity may continue until the monsoon stabilizes. This is the reason why Delhi experiences severe heat wave, dust storm, clouds, rain and humidity in a single week. This change is not unusual, but increasing urban heat and uncertainty of weather is definitely making it more difficult for people.
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