By IANS
New Delhi : The capital sizzled under an unrelenting heat wave and people preferred to remain indoors though the maximum temperature Sunday at 44 degrees Celsius showed a marginal drop from the day before.
"The maximum temperature recorded today is 44 degrees Celsius which is four degrees above normal. The minimum is 34 degrees which is five degrees above normal," said an official of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
The maximum temperature recorded Saturday was 44.9 degrees, the highest this year so far.
However, Delhiites saw no relief in the figures.
"Is the temperature actually lower than yesterday? It was as terrible as yesterday, if not more. The heat wave and then humidity simply adds to our woes," said an exasperated Tanuja Roy.
"Humidity is even more irritating. Delhi's summers are hot but generally not humid. But this time it has crossed all barriers," said Arihant Misra, a student.
There is some good news for them, however mild it maybe. "There might be a dust storm later in the night or tomorrow morning bringing down the temperature slightly and offering respite from the prevailing heat wave," the IMD official said.
Said Ananya Sharma: "Monsoons have arrived in so many parts of India. Today I was watching the rain bringing respite to people in Bihar on the TV. For us, even if its not the rain let's hope at least the dust storm brings some relief!"
It was weekend but the Delhi roads couldn't have worn a more deserted look. The scorching heat seemed to be testing people's tolerance levels.
The unlucky few who were out could be seen squinting in the sun and fanning themselves desperately.
The heat has also started taking a toll on people's health.
Arpita Goswami, a student who has come to Delhi from Assam for her admission at Delhi University, is eager to go back home. "I can't tolerate this kind of heat. My father has had a heat stroke. No amount of water helps, you constantly feel restless. I think I will go back home and come again after two weeks," she said.
Harried commuters sought respite in the air-conditioned Delhi Metro. "The Metro is such a boon. As soon as I approach the Metro station I feel relieved. The next 20 minutes spent travelling in it help me cool down," said Hamish John, a regular commuter.
"I wish we had the Metro right up till our offices!" said another commuter. "The moment I step out of it, I get depressed because the heat hits your face."