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The unbearable heat on Sunday spoiled many a weekend plan as the sun continued to beat down mercilessly on Delhi.

And frequent power outages across the Capital ensured even staying at home was not a blissful experience as many residents thought it would be.

The maximum temperature of 43.9 degree Celsius left Delhiites squirming in discomfort, even as the minimum was recorded at 25.6, which was a degree below normal.

The maximum, in contrast, was three degrees above normal, the weatherman said.

Officials at the India Meteorological Department ( IMD) said the Capital’s searing heat was the result of a prolonged heat wave prevailing in parts of Rajasthan and Haryana.

“ We expect Monday’s maximum temperature to rise to 44 degree Celsius.

The minimum should shoot up to 29 degrees,” an IMD official said.

More ominously, they said Delhiites will have to endure the heat for at least a week more.

“ We don’t expect the weather to change much over the next week.

The sky would remain partly cloudy in some parts of Delhi, but that won’t affect the heat much,” the official added. Residents should also brace themselves for a likely dust storm on Monday.

On Sunday, power cuts compounded the residents’ misery as outages were reported from parts of west, south, east and northeast Delhi.

Power department officials said the Capital had sufficient electricity but last- mile supply snags resulted in the outages, which ranged from anywhere between two to four hours.

A senior official said electricity distribution companies had arranged sufficient power to meet the Capital’s requirement on Sunday but “ supply constraints at the local level” spoilt the show at places.

“ The supply is much better than last year, when a sudden spurt in demand led to a power crisis. We are extra cautious this time and have bought enough power for the coming days,” the official added.

The Delhi Metro, too, is equipping its new trains with an improved airconditioning system that can maintain 25 degree Celsius temperature inside the trains even when the mercury goes over 48 degrees outside.

Besides, the air conditioning system at the underground Metro stations will maintain a 27- degree ambient temperature. “ The AC units have been designed to function even at outside temperatures from 48 degrees to 58 degrees for long durations,” a Metro official said.