On Monday afternoon, parts of Delhi witnessed short but intense monsoon showers. This sudden downpour led to waterlogging in several areas, causing traffic jams on many major roads.
Officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that on Monday, parts of west, central, north, and southwest Delhi received light to moderate rain. The Safdarjung observatory, which reflects Delhi’s overall weather, recorded 31.4 mm of rain from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
“This has been a particularly hot and humid July, characterised by calm winds and high humidity. For most of the month, the monsoon trough has stayed south of Delhi and closer to central India, which is why we are not seeing any significant rain,” said Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet.
Meteorological officials explained that Monday’s rain in Delhi was partly due to the high temperatures during the day and the moisture brought in by a weather system from northwest India.
“We saw convection and the formation of thunderclouds, which was due to a combination of factors which included the monsoon trough moving closer to Delhi, moisture coming from a western disturbance and high temperature before noon. This led to quick formation of rain clouds across Delhi-NCR and moderate rainfall was recorded in some parts of the city, particularly north and west Delhi,” said an IMD official.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi has received a total of 118.2 mm of rain so far this July. This is below the usual average of 143.4 mm expected by July 21. To reach the average, Delhi will need one or two more spells of moderate rain.
IMD classifies rainfall as “very light” when it is below 2.4mm in 24 hours; as “light” when it is between 2.5 and 15.5mm; as “moderate” when it is between 15.6mm and 64.4mm; as “heavy” when it is between 64.5mm and 115.5mm, and “very heavy” when it is over 115.6mm.
Out of 12 rainy days in Delhi this month, 10 have had only very light or light rain. Monday was just the second day this month with “moderate” rainfall.
Rainfall Amounts in Delhi on Monday
On Monday, the Pusa area in west Delhi recorded the most rain with 53 mm. Other areas with significant rainfall were Pitampura (49 mm), Delhi University (40 mm), Ridge (27.8 mm), Lodhi Road (26.6 mm), and Najafgarh (24 mm).
Traffic Warnings in Delhi
The rain caused waterlogging in some areas of the city, leading the Delhi Traffic Police to issue advisories. They warned people about traffic congestion on GT Road in northeast Delhi, Firni Road at Najafgarh, and New Rohtak Road in west Delhi, advising commuters to avoid these routes.
High Temperatures in Delhi Despite Rain
Despite the rain, Delhi’s temperature stayed high on Monday. The maximum temperature was 36.4°C, which is slightly above normal. The day before, it was 36.6°C.
Humidity and Heat in Delhi
On Monday, Delhi’s humidity ranged from 65% to 100%, but winds of 10-15 km/h helped a bit. At 11:30 am, the temperature at Safdarjung was 35.8°C with 65% humidity, making it feel like 50°C. By 2:30 pm, after some rain, the temperature dropped to 27.6°C, and the “real feel” was 35°C.
Delhi’s wet bulb temperature, which indicates how uncomfortable it feels, was 30°C at 11:30 am. It fell to 27.6°C by 2:30 pm due to rain and wind. A wet bulb temperature of 32°C or higher can make it hard for people to work outside for long, and at 35°C, it becomes dangerous as it can lead to heatstroke.
Delhi’s Weather and Air Quality Update
On Monday, the minimum temperature in Delhi was 29.4°C, which is two degrees higher than normal. The day before, it was 26.4°C. The forecast predicts that the maximum temperature will be between 34-35°C until Wednesday, with the minimum around 27°C.
Delhi’s air quality improved and was in the ‘satisfactory’ category on Monday, with an air quality index (AQI) of 85. On Sunday, it was 103, which is considered ‘moderate.’
