Rainy Thursday ahead for Delhi: Cooler temperatures, traffic woes likely

Rain lashed several parts of Delhi on Thursday morning, triggering widespread waterlogging and traffic snarls across the city. The downpour, driven by an active monsoon phase, brought down the minimum temperature to 23°C, which is 4.3 degrees below the seasonal norm, offering a brief respite from the recent swelter. Humidity, however, remained oppressive at 100% by 8:30 am, making for sticky conditions despite the cool air.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast generally cloudy skies and moderate rainfall throughout the day, with the maximum temperature likely to reach around 35.6°C. As of 9 am, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at a satisfactory 63, helped in part by the cleansing effect of the rain.

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Monsoon Alert Remains in Effect Through the Week
Thursday’s wet spell follows Wednesday’s forecast of stormy conditions, which had prompted the IMD to issue a yellow alert. On July 9, the department warned of thunderstorms and lightning, accompanied by scattered rainfall. The monsoon trough had shifted past Delhi, sweeping through cities like Ludhiana, Kanpur, and Prayagraj, fueling instability across northern India.

Officials have urged residents to remain cautious amid the ongoing weather activity. The IMD has recommended avoiding sheltering under trees during lightning and staying clear of waterlogged zones, especially in low-lying areas. With monsoon dynamics expected to persist through July 13, intermittent rain, cloudy skies, and elevated humidity, hovering around 80 to 85 percent, are forecast to dominate the week.

While the rain has brought a welcome break from heat, Delhiites continue to grapple with the chaos of flooded roads and slow-moving traffic, a yearly monsoon ordeal now in full swing.