Rain eludes Delhi, power demand again peaks

New Delhi, July 5 (IANS) The rains again eluded Delhi Thursday leaving the residents sweltering in the heat and humidity as the weather department's forecast went awry. Respite is likely Friday with rains predicted as well as a dip in the mercury.

The searing heat pushed power demand to a new high of 5,642 megawatts (MW) which surpassed the projected consumption of 5,500 MW for the year.

Delhi Thursday sweated under a cloudy sky with maximum temperature being recorded five notches above average at 41.1 degrees.

The minimum settled two notches above average at 29.5 degrees, while the humidity wavered between a high and low of 77 and 39 percent.

According to IMD, rain will occur Friday, which is likely to be relatively cooler.

"The maximum and minimum temperature is likely to hover around 37 and 29.5 degrees Friday," said an IMD official.

Delhi has been reeling under intense heat as the monsoon, which generally arrives in the capital by June 29, has been delayed. The heat has forced schools to extend the summer vacation till July 9.