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Thursday, May 01, 2008
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New Delhi

Delhi’s hottest day so far

Staff Reporter

Power cuts and water problems compound the plight

Met department says there is no ‘heat wave’ in the Capital as yet
One unit of Badarpur plant trips; 450 MW of load-shedding was carried out on Wednesday

It’s still not ‘heat wave’ in the Capital

NEW DELHI: With the mercury rising three degrees above normal to settle at a scorching 42.2 degrees Celsius, Wednesday was the season’s hottest day so far for the Capital.

Delhi had experienced a temperature of 41 degrees Celsius over the weekend and again on Tuesday. The forecast for Thursday reads no better. The weatherman has forecast a partly clear sky with hot surface winds during daytime and a maximum temperature of 42 degrees.

According to Indian Meteorological Department (Weather Forecasting) Director B.P. Yadav, it is not the time to hit the panic button just yet: “As per the standard definition of ‘heat wave’, which requires the maximum temperatures to reach five degrees above normal, there is no heat wave or ‘loo’ prevailing over the Capital at present. Moreover, the prevailing temperature in the Capital is unlikely to lead to a heat wave-like condition till the first week of May.”

While the weather is expected to be just as sweltering over the next three days, temporary relief in the form of a small thundershower is expected after that. “Owing to a feeble western disturbance that is expected to hit North-West India, we are expecting some showers over Delhi in the first week of May,” Mr. Yadav said. “This shower may provide some respite but on the whole the weather would continue to remain warm.”

The BBC website has forecast a maximum temperature of 41 to 42 degrees Celsius Thursday through Sunday.

The power situation compounded the woes of the Capital’s residents. Power cuts were reported from across the city as the power distribution companies struggled to meet the demand.

Under-frequency was reported 45 times through the day and the State’s transmission utility grappled with overdrawal problems. The situation was further aggravated by the tripping of one unit of 210 MW at the Badarpur thermal plant.

According to Power Department officials, 450 MW of load-shedding was carried out on Wednesday.

“A rise in temperature will lead to an increase in the hydro-power generation. We are hopeful that there will be some respite for the city soon,” said an official.

On Wednesday the city’s generation stood at 1,311 MW and Delhi had to overdraw more than 60 MW from the Northern Grid. The maximum load recorded was 3,290 MW at 7-32 p.m.

Water supply in some areas of the city was also affected because of load-shedding. The production of water at the Chandrawal water treatment plant was a little below its full capacity, which led to a shortfall in some areas under its command.

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