India, April 30 -- An unusually wet start to April appears to have helped keep Delhi's heat in check in April, softening what is typically one of the Capital's harsher months, even as a sharp spike in temperatures during the third week briefly pushed conditions into heatwave territory.

Data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) showed that the mean maximum temperature for April, recorded till April 29, stood at 37degC - lower than last year's 39degC and only marginally above the long-period average of 36.5degC. The figure matches 2024, while April 2023 had been significantly cooler at 35.3degC.

The relatively moderate average this year, however, masks the month's uneven pattern - with days alternating between spells of rain and...