Delhi records highest August rainfall in 12 years: IMD
Delhi recorded 378.5 mm of rainfall in August, marking the city's highest in 12 years, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The Safdarjung Observatory noted this amount of rainfall up to Thursday, exceeding the 321.4 mm recorded in August 2013. IMD data also reveals that the highest rainfall in the last 15 years occurred in 2010, when the city received 455.1 mm.
Delhi's rainfall history and all-time record
The second-highest rainfall in recent years occurred in 2012 with 378.8 mm, followed by 321.4 mm in 2013. This third-highest mark was surpassed on August 29, 2023. Delhi's all-time August rainfall record, according to IMD data, is 583.3 mm, set in 1961. After an early morning shower on Thursday, the Safdarjung Observatory, which serves as the city's main weather station, recorded 77 mm of rainfall, bringing the total for this monsoon season to 825.5 mm.
IMD issues 'yellow' alert
Delhi has already surpassed its annual average rainfall of 762.3 mm, with the city recording 825.5 mm so far, according to Mahesh Palawat of Skymet Weather Services. In response to the record-breaking rainfall, the IMD has issued a "yellow" alert for Delhi on Thursday. This color-coded warning signifies adverse weather conditions that could potentially disrupt daily life. The department has forecasted a cloudy sky with moderate rain for Thursday, with temperatures expected to fluctuate between 23°C and 34°C.
Delhi experiences most rainy days in 14 years
Alongside the record rainfall, Delhi also experienced the highest number of rainy days in August over the past 14 years. The city witnessed rainfall on 23 separate days this month, surpassing the previous record of 22 rainy days set in 2012. A "rainy day" is defined by the weather department as a day when more than 2.4mm of rainfall is received.
Heavy rainfall causes waterlogging, traffic congestion
The heavy downpour on Thursday morning resulted in severe waterlogging and traffic jams across various parts of Delhi. Commuters were seen struggling to navigate through flooded roads, with areas like the Parade Road underpass in Delhi Cantonment and Dhaula Kuan being particularly affected. The Delhi Traffic Police had alerted citizens about these waterlogged areas, advising them to plan their journeys accordingly.
