Climate of Delhi

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Climate of Delhi is semi-arid with high variation between summer and winter temperatures. Summers are long, from early April to October, with the monsoon season in between. During the summer season, the city faces extreme power and water shortages.[1] Many people die every year owing to the summer heat wave.[1] Winter starts in November and peaks in January. Due to Delhi's proximity to the Himalayas, cold waves from the Himalayan region dip temperatures across the city. Delhi is notorious for its heavy fog during the winter season. In December, reduced visibility leads to disruption of road, air and rail traffic.[2] The city has a pleasant climate from February to March, and from September to November.

Extreme temperatures have ranged from −0.6 °C (30.9 °F) to 47 °C (116.6 °F).[3] The average annual rainfall is approximately 714 mm (28.1 inches), most of which is during the monsoons in July and August.[4] However, the annual rainfall is extremely variable, with the lowest recorded since 1864 being 261mm (10.27 inches) and the highest 1,583mm (62.3 inches). The average date of the advent of monsoon winds in Delhi is 29 June.[5]

Climate chart for New Delhi
J F M A M J J A S O N D
 
 
19
 
18
7
 
 
20
 
23
11
 
 
15
 
28
15
 
 
21
 
36
22
 
 
25
 
39
26
 
 
70
 
37
27
 
 
237
 
34
27
 
 
235
 
33
26
 
 
113
 
33
24
 
 
17
 
31
19
 
 
9
 
27
13
 
 
9
 
21
8
temperatures in °C • precipitation totals in mm
source: Weather Underground
Imperial conversion

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ a b "Heat wave conditions keep Delhiites indoors: No relief from scorching heat predicted", Delhi and Neighbourhood, The Tribune, The Tribune Trust, May 7, 2006. Retrieved on 2007-01-07. 
  2. ^ "Fog continues to disrupt flights, trains", The Hindu, 2006-01-07. Retrieved on 2006-05-16. 
  3. ^ "At 0.2 degrees Celsius, Delhi gets its coldest day", Hindustan Times, 2006-01-08. Retrieved on 2006-04-29. 
  4. ^ Chapter 1: Introduction (PDF). Economic Survey of Delhi, 2005–2006 pp1–7. Planning Department, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
  5. ^ Kurian, Vinson. "Monsoon reaches Delhi two days ahead of schedule", The Hindu Business Line, 28 June 2005. Retrieved on 2007-01-09.