New Delhi: Many parts of North India continued to reel under hot and humid weather conditions as temperatures hovered several notches above standard levels on Saturday.
Light to moderate rains occurred in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan although monsoon remained evasive in the region.
Hot and sultry weather prevailed in Delhi as mercury hit above-40 degrees mark causing much discomfort to people.
The day temperature rose marginally to 42.3 degrees Celsius, seven notches above normal, while the minimum settled at 30.5 degrees Celsius, four points above normal, according to the Met department.
Humidity in the air oscillated between 35 and 72 per cent during the day.
Yesterday the maximum and minimum were at 42 and 30.1 degrees Celsius respectively.
"Usually, July witnesses monsoon. The current upward trend in temperature is mainly due to elusive rains," a MeT official said.
Monsoon had arrived in Delhi on July 3 but since then the city has seen only scanty rainfall in certain areas. According to Met department, monsoon is likely to revive in the city from Monday.
Hot and sultry weather conditions persisted in Punjab and Haryana with mercury hovering several notches above normal at most places.
Hisar was the hottest place in the region as it recorded a maximum of 43.5 degrees Celsius, 5 notches above normal, a Met department report said.
Among other places in Haryana, Ambala, Bhiwani, Karnal and Narnaul recorded highs of 39, 42.6, 39 and 41.7 degrees Celsius respectively.
The Union territory of Chandigarh recorded a high of 38.4 degrees Celsius, 3 notches above normal.
In Punjab, Amritsar, Ludhiana and Patiala registered maximums at 41.2, 39.7 and 40 degrees Celsius, up to 6 degrees above normal.
