Delhi Hit By Light To Moderate Rainfall, IMD Issues Yellow Alert As More Showers Expected Till Friday

Light to moderate rainfall occurred in parts of Delhi on Tuesday, which led to disruption in traffic and waterlogging in several areas. Main roads in Western and Northern Delhi were badly affected due to the rain resulting slow traffic throughout the day. According to the Meteorological Department, further rainfall is expected to be received at isolated places within the city while the wind speed during that time will be 30 km/h. Yellow alert has been issued up to Friday, warning residents of discomfort due to rains.

Rainfall Statistics Across Delhi

The Safdarjung weather station, which provides the official figures for Delhi, recorded 5.6mm of rainfall from 8:30 am till 5:30 pm. However, the amount of rain that fell in different parts of the city was different. The Palam station, for example, recorded 10.5mm, while at Ridge it was 2mm. Similarly, Lodhi Road received 1mm and Ayanagar 1.8mm. The highest rainfall was recorded in Pitampura that logged 27mm during this period.

The IMD has predicted further rains in the coming days, with an interaction between multiple weather systems likely to pump moisture over the region.

Heavy Rainfall Expected Over Northern India

Weather forecasters predict heavy rainfall in northern and central India for the next four days till Friday. In the capital too, multiple spells of moderate rain are expected. Vice president at Skymet Meteorology, Mahesh Palawat said, ‘A depression over central India, a western disturbance in the making, and the monsoon trough will come together to cause sufficient moisture over the Delhi-NCR region.’ The system will linger for another two to three days and affect the climate.

Waterlogging That Creates Commuter Woes

Heavy rain led to traffic congestion in many areas of the capital. Delhi Traffic Police issued advisories asking commuters to avoid several stretches such as Najafgarh Phirni Road, GT Karnal Road, Dabri roundabout, and the Outer Ring Road stretch between Peeragarhi and Vikaspuri.

Southern and southwestern parts of Delhi were also not spared by the jams which contributed to the trouble for the residents.

Rainfall Data For Previous 24 Hours

In the last 24 hours ending at 8:30 am on Tuesday, the capital experienced isolated rainfall. According to the weather department, Ridge received 22.6mm of rainfall, DU received 22.5mm, Mayur Vihar 21.5mm and Palam station recorded 15.3mm of rain. Safdarjung, however, recorded a ‘trace’ amount of rain in the said period.

So far this month, Delhi has received 79.5mm of rainfall on Tuesday. With the city receiving more rainfall for three days, it will easily cross the 100mm mark. The average rainfall in September is 123.4mm.
 
Delhi’s Temperature And Air Quality

Despite the rain, Delhi’s maximum temperature on Tuesday also remained high. It touched 35.4°C, two degrees more than the season’s normal while the minimum was 25.2°C, just 0.2 degrees less than the seasonal average. According to the IMD forecast, the maximum and minimum temperatures on Wednesday are likely to be around 33°C and 24°C respectively.

However, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘moderate’ category with 106 AQI on Tuesday. On Monday, the AQI was at 117, which also comes under the ‘moderate’ category. Residents have been advised to be aware, especially those sensitive to changes in air quality.

IMD Forecast: More Rain Till Friday

The IMD has also forecast more showers in Delhi till Friday and issued a yellow alert for the city. A combination of weather systems is likely to keep the city wet, and residents should prepare for continued traffic disruptions and possible waterlogging in low-lying areas.