Delhi-NCR witnessed one of its heaviest monsoon spells this season as torrential rainfall lashed the national capital on Friday, inundating roads, disrupting traffic and causing widespread waterlogging across several areas. The intense showers also helped Delhi register its wettest first week of August in over a decade.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the capital received 127 mm of rainfall between August 1 and August 7, making it the wettest opening week of August since 2011. Meanwhile, Palam weather station recorded its highest 24-hour rainfall for August since 2007, highlighting the intensity of the latest monsoon surge.
Although heavy rain is expected to ease, the IMD has forecast more showers across Delhi-NCR on Saturday, with cloudy skies likely to persist throughout the day.
Delhi Records Wettest First Week of August Since 2011
The latest spell brought significant relief from prolonged humidity but created fresh challenges as several roads and low-lying areas remained submerged for hours.
The IMD said widespread rainfall was recorded across Delhi, Haryana and Chandigarh during the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 am on August 8. The unusually high rainfall has pushed Delhi's August rainfall figures well above the seasonal average for the first week of the month.
The rainfall also marked a major milestone for Palam, where the station recorded its highest 24-hour August rainfall in nearly 19 years.
Why Did Delhi Receive Such Heavy Rain?
Meteorologists attributed the intense rainfall to the interaction of multiple weather systems over northern India.
The IMD said the monsoon trough was passing through Ganganagar, Delhi and extending towards a low-pressure area over southwest Uttar Pradesh before reaching the Bay of Bengal.
The low-pressure system was accompanied by a cyclonic circulation extending up to around 4.5 kilometres above sea level, allowing large volumes of moisture to move into northern India.
Adding to the rainfall was an active western disturbance over northwest India. The combined influence of these systems created ideal conditions for widespread monsoon activity across Delhi-NCR and neighbouring states.
Will It Rain in Delhi Today?
The IMD has predicted cloudy skies with light to moderate rainfall across Delhi on Saturday.
While the weather department expects fairly widespread showers in Delhi, Haryana and Chandigarh, it has not specifically forecast isolated heavy rainfall over the national capital today.
However, the active southwest monsoon is expected to keep rainfall activity alive across north India over the coming days, although the intensity is likely to reduce compared to Friday's downpour.
Waterlogging and Traffic Disruptions Continue
Friday's heavy rain caused waterlogging at several locations across Delhi-NCR, slowing vehicular movement during peak hours. Multiple stretches witnessed traffic congestion as drainage systems struggled to cope with the sudden surge in rainfall.
Authorities continue to monitor vulnerable areas while civic agencies remain on alert for any fresh spell of rain over the weekend.
IMD Weather Outlook
The India Meteorological Department expects monsoon conditions to remain active over northern India in the coming days. Residents have been advised to stay updated with local weather alerts and exercise caution while travelling during periods of rainfall.
FAQs
Why did Delhi receive record rainfall this August?
Delhi experienced heavy rainfall due to the combined effect of an active monsoon trough, a low-pressure area over southwest Uttar Pradesh and a western disturbance over northwest India.
How much rain did Delhi receive in the first week of August?
According to the IMD, Delhi recorded 127 mm of rainfall between August 1 and August 7, making it the wettest first week of August since 2011.
Will Delhi receive more rain today?
Yes. The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall with cloudy skies across Delhi-NCR, although rainfall intensity is expected to be lower than Friday.
Which weather station recorded a rainfall record?
Palam recorded its highest 24-hour rainfall for the month of August since 2007.
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