Delhi temperature continues to rise, cloudy Saturday expected

New Delhi, May 2 (IANS) The mercury here continues to rise, with Friday's maximum temperature three notches above average at 41.7 degrees Celsius. The Met office forecast a cloudy Saturday.

"The skies will become partly cloudy and the maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to hover around 41 and 26 degrees Celsius respectively," said an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official.

The city is reeling under the intense heat and it experienced the hottest May 1 as well as April 29 since 2010 with the maximum temperature at 42.8 and 41 degrees Celsius respectively.

Friday's minimum temperature settled one notch above the season's average at 26.2 degrees Celsius.

As air-conditioners in homes and offices are running all day, the power demand is rising gradually and is expected to shoot up to 6,100 MW this summer, surpassing all previous records.

Delhi residents are having a tough time dealing with the scorching heat and clear sky.

Those riding two-wheelers are the most affected and were seen covering their noses and ears to protect themselves from the sun. They were constantly hydrating themselves at roadside kiosks selling lemonade, water and cold drinks.

Humidity wavered between a high and low of 44 and 24 percent respectively.

Thursday's maximum temperature settled four notches above the season's average at 42.8 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature settled one notch below the season's average at 24.2 degrees Celsius.