On Tuesday, heavy clouds rolled over the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), ushering in extensive monsoon rainfall. The region’s prolonged heat and humidity were finally alleviated by continuous showers. Parts of the nation’s capital are under an Orange Alert from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which means that heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds are on the way in the coming hours. The main weather station in Delhi, Safdarjung, reported 32.4 mm of rainfall up to 8:30 a.m., according to IMD statistics. The Ridge received 37.6 mm, Lodhi Road 36.7 mm, Ayanagar 4 mm, and Palam 0.8 mm.
After days of oppressive humidity, the weather greatly improved this morning as persistent showers hit several parts of the city, including the Kartavya Path neighbourhood. Municipal officials have cautioned people to exercise extreme caution since flooding in low-lying regions, gridlock, and diminished visibility on vital roadways are all possible outcomes of heavy rainfall. Heavy rains may interrupt regular traffic patterns across the city, so commuters should plan their trips ahead of time.
The weather forecast from the IMD calls for mostly overcast skies all day long, with light rain expected in most areas and moderate showers possible in a few spots in the morning and afternoon. In the hours to come, we may anticipate another downpour, and the next several days will be cloudy with moderate rain and thunderstorms. From Monday’s peak of 38.1°C at Safdarjung, which was followed by prolonged reprieve from the recent heatwave-like conditions, meteorologists predict that the increasing monsoon activity will lower daytime temperatures by 2-3°C.
The air quality in Delhi has improved, in part, because of the recent rain. At 9 a.m., the Air Quality Index (AQI) was 77, which is considered satisfactory, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The heavy downpour was intensified by a deep depression that developed close to the coast of West Bengal and moved westward along the coast of North Odisha and West Bengal, passing close to Digha and west of Haldia. This depression strengthened the southwest monsoon in northern India, according to meteorologists. Ludhiana, Bathinda, Jalandhar, Mohali, Karnal, Sonipat, Ambala, and Bhiwani were among the areas in Punjab and Haryana that received rainfall as a result of the weather system. While the rains gave relief from the hot heat, they also caused localised waterlogging and traffic problems.
More rainfall is predicted to occur in Delhi-NCR over the next few days as the IMD’s Orange Alert remains in effect. Residents should stay vigilant for waterlogging, traffic delays, and periodic thunderstorms, even if the showers will likely drop temperatures and improve air quality.
Image: ETV Bharat
