New Delhi experienced a brief respite from scorching temperatures on Friday as light to moderate rainfall and cool breezes swept across several parts of the city. Safdarjung, the city’s weather station, recorded 3.6mm of rainfall by 5:30 pm, marking the highest single-day precipitation since March 3 when 4mm was recorded.
Despite the rainfall providing temporary relief, the maximum temperature at Safdarjung still climbed to 40.4 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal. This marks the 39th consecutive day with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, underscoring the prolonged heatwave conditions endured by the capital. The heat index, reflecting the combined effect of temperature and humidity, soared to 53 degrees Celsius post-rain due to increased humidity levels. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported wind speeds up to 31 kmph at Safdarjung and 56 kmph at Palam during the past 24 hours, enhancing the cooling effect post-rainfall. “While the recent rainfall and strong winds provided a brief reprieve from the heatwave, the influence of the western disturbance is expected to diminish soon,” noted a senior IMD official. As a result, temperatures are forecasted to rise once again in the coming days. Various parts of Delhi received varying amounts of rainfall, with Pitampura recording the highest at 33.5mm, followed closely by Rajghat at 32mm. Other areas like Pusa, Ridge, Lodhi Road, Jafarpur, Palam, and Ayanagar also received moderate rainfall, albeit in smaller quantities.
Delhi has faced significant rainfall deficits throughout the year, exacerbating water scarcity and agricultural concerns. The IMD has issued a ‘yellow’ alert for June 24 and 25, indicating possible heatwave conditions in isolated areas with temperatures likely to reach up to 44 degrees Celsius by early next week. Following Friday’s rainfall, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) received reports of waterlogging in 12 locations and incidents of fallen trees in nine areas across the city. These challenges highlight the dual impact of extreme weather events in urban areas, necessitating ongoing preparedness and mitigation efforts. As Delhi braces for the return of heatwave conditions, the city’s resilience against weather extremes continues to be tested, urging authorities and residents alike to remain vigilant amidst fluctuating weather patterns.
