A Rainy Day in the Capital
Delhi experienced heavy rainfall on Tuesday, causing waterlogging and traffic disruptions across various parts of the city. The downpour, which lasted from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, was more intense than the light rainfall initially predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD had issued a yellow alert, urging residents to be aware of the weather conditions.
Rainfall and Its Impact
The Safdarjung base station, a key representative of Delhi’s weather, recorded 30.8 mm of rain. Other weather stations also reported moderate to light rainfall: Lodhi Road with 34.2 mm, Ridge with 11 mm, and Delhi University with 10 mm.
This sudden deluge led to numerous waterlogging complaints from areas such as Preet Vihar, Hari Nagar, Uttam Nagar, Karol Bagh, GTB Nagar, Karawal Nagar, Mandawali, Greater Kailash, Jamia Nagar, Chandni Chowk, Azad Market, and Raj Nagar. Additionally, incidents of fallen trees were reported in Kalkaji Extension and Mayur Vihar Phase II.
Temperature and Air Quality
Despite the rain, the maximum temperature at Safdarjung was recorded at a cooler-than-normal 33.2 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature remained close to normal at 27.2 degrees Celsius. On a positive note, the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi stood in the ‘satisfactory’ category at 84, indicating cleaner air.
The Week Ahead: More Rain Expected
According to the IMD’s seven-day forecast, Delhi can expect generally cloudy skies with light rain on Wednesday, with no severe weather warnings issued. However, a yellow alert has been issued for the subsequent days, predicting moderate spells of rainfall.
An IMD press release indicates that Northwest India, including Delhi-NCR, can expect isolated to scattered light to moderate rainfall over the next five days. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather forecasts and plan their activities accordingly.
Conclusion
As Delhi navigates through this rainy spell, it is essential for residents to remain cautious, especially in areas prone to waterlogging and traffic congestion. The rain brings much-needed relief from the summer heat and helps improve air quality, but it also poses challenges that require collective vigilance and preparedness. Stay safe and brace for more showers in the coming days.