Showers turn down the heat in Delhi

NEW DELHI: Delhiites ventured out of their homes in large numbers as pleasant weather conditions prevailed across the Capital following light showers in the day, which led to a drop in temperatures. The daytime showers also helped clear the air of the smog caused by the overnight Diwali fireworks and a bright sunshine in the afternoon drew crowds at India Gate and other public places of the capital.

The weather office said that the daytime temperatures hovered between 25 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 27.6 degrees Celsius. "Parts of the city received traces to light rainfall during the day," the weatherman said.

The city saw the mercury dip to a minimum of 20 degrees Celsius, which was nearly three degrees higher than that recorded yesterday. The plummeting mercury has raised hopes of subsidence in dengue cases in the Capital and adjoining areas, which has afflicted 2051 people and killed 49.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito, responsible for the spread of dengue and chikungunya, cannot survive in cold conditions.

The mosquito breeds less vigorously in temperatures ranging between 18 and 24 degrees and stops breeding completely once the temperature dips below 18 degrees.