Steamy Monday in Delhi as rains stay away again

New Delhi, July 23 (IANS) Scanty rain teased Delhi while the maximum temperature went three notches above average to 37.2 degrees Celsius, making for a hot, humid Monday. The weatherman has held promise of more rain Tuesday.

With the weak patch of monsoon stretching over from last week, the officials at the India Meteorological Department said the capital's rain deficit has grown to 57 percent with only 88.6 mm rainfall recorded so far in this season. However, the weatherman has promised rains Tuesday.

"Tuesday will see generally cloudy skies with light rains and thundershowers. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to be 36 and 28 degrees Celsius, respectively," an official at the India Meteorological Department said.

Monsoon is expected to last in Delhi till Sep 20.

Delhi saw meagre rainfall of 0.1 mm till 5.30 p.m. Monday. The day's humidity counter reached a maximum of 85 percent and a minimum of 57 percent while the minimum temperature also climbed three notches above average to 29.8 degrees Celsius.

Sunday's maximum temperature was three notches above the average at 37.3 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature was two notches above the season's average at 28.5 degrees Celsius.