Delhi experienced continued light to moderate showers on Saturday, leading to widespread waterlogging on key roads and leaving many commuters stranded. The heavy rains have been causing disruptions across the city, with roads remaining inundated and traffic conditions deteriorating.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a “yellow alert” for the upcoming week, specifically from Wednesday to Friday. This alert indicates that cloudy skies and moderate rain are expected to persist, potentially impacting Independence Day celebrations. “Generally cloudy skies along with light to moderate rain and thundershowers at various locations were observed on Saturday. Similar weather conditions are expected on Sunday as well. A yellow alert had been issued for Saturday and also has been issued for Sunday,” an IMD official stated.
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Delhi’s weather saw a drop in temperature due to the rains, with the maximum temperature recorded at 32.8°C, which is one degree below normal, compared to 34.8°C the previous day. The minimum temperature stood at 25.8°C, two degrees below normal and slightly lower than the 26.6°C recorded on Friday. The Safdarjung weather station, a representative for Delhi’s climate, reported 17.4mm of rain in the 24 hours leading up to 8.30am, with an additional 1.3mm recorded from 8.30am to 5.30pm. Humidity levels fluctuated between 81% and 100% during the last 24 hours.
Weather stations across Delhi reported varying amounts of rainfall: Palam recorded 30.1mm till 8.30am, Lodhi Road had 20.6mm till 8.30am and 4.2mm more afterward, Ridge recorded 17.1mm till 8.30am and 34mm later, while Ayanagar saw only 2.9mm till 8.30am.
The IMD classifies rainfall as follows: trace amounts to 2.4mm as very light; 2.5mm to 15.5mm as light; 15.6mm to 64.4mm as moderate; and 64.5mm to 115.5mm as heavy. Forecasts suggest that the maximum temperature will remain between 32°C and 33°C in the coming days, while the minimum will stay between 25°C and 26°C.
On the air quality front, recent rains have had a positive impact. Delhi’s air quality remained in the “satisfactory” category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 71 at 4pm on Saturday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The AQI was 60 on Friday and 53 on Thursday. The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) has forecasted that the air quality will stay in the “satisfactory” category through Tuesday. “The air quality is likely to be in ‘satisfactory’ category from August 10 to August 13. The outlook for subsequent six days is that the air quality is likely to be in ‘satisfactory’ to ‘moderate’ categories,” AQEWS noted in its bulletin on Saturday.
With the ongoing rainfall and forecasted weather conditions, residents are advised to remain cautious and prepared for potential disruptions.
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