Heavy Downpour In Delhi: More Intense Weather Ahead On Weekend

Severe thunderstorms and blinding rains lashed Delhi and its surrounding region early this morning today. The strong gale-speed winds and frightening peals of thunder, accompanied by heavy downpour, impacted road and air traffic critically.  Flight operations were disrupted, resulting in delays and diversions. The incessant rains led to waterlogging in several parts, including the busy Dwarka underpass. The howling winds in excess of 80 km/h uprooted trees and interrupted the transmission lines in some areas.  There are unconfirmed reports of some fatalities, as well. Weather activity was very much on the expected lines, and a caution was repeatedly extended by Skymet on the website. Weather conditions have since improved and will stay good for the day, before the next round within 24 hours.

Most parts of Delhi/NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad, recorded a deluge accompanied by high-speed winds and loud thunderstorms. The base station at Safdarjung recorded a huge rainfall of 77mm in a few hours in the early morning.  Lodhi Road office, Pragati Maidan, Rajghat, and Pitampura also recorded rainfall between 70-80mm during this period. Palam Observatory measured rainfall of 46mm.

At Safdarjung, the record-keeping observatory of Delhi, the rainfall of 77mm till 8.30 a.m. today was the second highest rainfall in 24 hours. The all-time 24-hour highest rainfall of 119.3mm was measured on 20th May 2021. Earlier, most other heavy spells were recorded in the second half of the month. Today’s rainfall is an outlier and an exception as well. The month of May has an average of merely 29.4 mm of rainfall for Delhi, which has now been surpassed in a couple of hours. The highest ever monthly rainfall of 165mm was recorded in May 2008. Delhi is likely to have more intense and fierce thundershowers over the next 4-5 days. It may surpass the monthly record of May 2008 during this month.

A western disturbance has arrived over the mountains of North India. An induced circulation is in place over North Rajasthan and the border areas of Punjab with Pakistan. An east-west trough is running in close proximity to Delhi, and this feature is going to persist for the next few days with minor oscillation. Rain and thundershowers accompanied by lightning, thunderstorm and strong winds are likely to continue till 07th May 2025. The spell of weather activity each time will last for 2-4 hours and a break thereafter. More often, the activity will be there in the late evening, night and early morning hours.  Caution needs to be exercised by Delhiites against the hazardous weather conditions during this period. Be aware and stay safe.