Delhi Records Coldest May In 36 Years: IMD

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Delhi experienced the coolest May in 36 years with record-low average maximum temperatures.
Heatwave conditions were significantly reduced, with only two days of occurrence in certain areas.
Delhi received a substantial amount of rainfall in May, surpassing the long-term average by 262%.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi had an unusually cool May in 2023, marking the coolest May in 36 years. The average maximum temperature for the month was 36.8 degrees Celsius, the lowest since 1987 when it was recorded at 36 degrees Celsius. The IMD’s regional forecasting center confirmed this information.

In May, Delhi saw maximum temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius for only nine days, and heat wave conditions were experienced in certain areas for just two days. This year, the Safdarjung Observatory, which is considered representative of Delhi’s weather, did not report any heat wave during the pre-monsoon season, deviating from the trend observed since 2014.

In the pre-monsoon season of 2022, there were 13 heat wave days, with nine occurring in April and four in May. In contrast, this year, there was only one heat wave day during the same period. In 2020, Delhi recorded four heat wave days, one in 2019, and one in 2018.

May 2023 also brought a significant amount of rainfall to Delhi. The city received 111 mm of rainfall, which is 262% higher than the long-term average of 30.7 mm. Based on IMD data, this ranks as the fourth-highest rainfall in May, following 165 mm in 2008, 144.8 mm in 2021, and 129.3 mm in 2002.

The unseasonal rainfall and cooler temperatures in the pre-monsoon season can be attributed to an increase in the occurrence of western disturbances, weather systems originating from the Mediterranean region.

Delhi experienced a higher-than-usual number of western disturbances this year, with 10 recorded, most of which were strong disturbances. Normally, there are about five to six western disturbances during April and May.

However, meteorologists are cautious about directly linking these anomalies to climate change, as further data and analysis are required to establish any definitive trends. In total, Delhi received 184.3 mm of rainfall during the pre-monsoon season, which is 186% higher than the normal rainfall for the same period, according to the IMD.

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In summary, Delhi experienced an unusually cool May in 2023, with reduced heat wave conditions and higher-than-average rainfall. These changes can be attributed to an increase in western disturbances. Further analysis is needed to establish definitive trends and understand the implications for climate change.