Light to moderate rains likely in parts of Delhi

Parts of Delhi are expected to experience light to moderate rainfall as the city recorded a minimum temperature of 27.6 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted intermittent rain in Delhi for the next four to five days, with the maximum temperature on Wednesday likely to reach around 34 degrees Celsius.

In July so far, Delhi has received 331.3 mm of rainfall, surpassing the normal average of 208.8 mm for this month. On average, the city usually receives 195.8 mm of rainfall for the entire month. Notably, the city has witnessed above-normal rainfall in the last four months: 53.2 mm in March (compared to the normal 17.4 mm), 20.1 mm in April (versus an average of 16.3 mm), 111 mm in May (against the normal 30.7 mm), and 101.7 mm in June (as opposed to the normal 74.1 mm).

One of the most substantial rainfall events occurred on July 8 and 9, resulting in 153 mm of rain in a single day, which was the highest since 1982. This intense rainfall was caused by the convergence of a western disturbance, monsoon winds, and a cyclonic circulation over northwest India. Subsequently, the city received an additional 107 mm of rain in the following 24 hours.

A particularly severe period was during the 36 hours starting at 8.30 am on July 8 when an unprecedented 260 mm of rainfall was recorded, leading the government to issue a flood warning and temporarily close schools.

The heavy rain had a significant impact on the city, turning roads into gushing streams, parks into watery labyrinths, and marketplaces into submerged realms.

(With PTI inputs)