India, May 20 -- The Capital clocked a hot and humid day as a combination of clear skies and increased moisture led to uncomfortable weather conditions. Although a maximum temperature of 40.8 degrees Celsius (degC) was recorded on the day, which is normal for this time of the year, high relative humidity-ranging from 44% to 74%-gave Delhi a heat index (HI) or "real feel" temperature of 48.5degC, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data.

The high relative humidity translated into increased power consumption in the city too, with the peak power demand crossing the 7,000MW threshold for the first time this season.

Delhi's heat index a day earlier was 43.6degC and this rapid single-day increase led to uncomfortable conditions...