Thunderstorms and Heavy Showers Set to Disrupt the Day in Delhi

The national capital kicked off Tuesday with a blanket of thick clouds and a refreshing dip in temperatures, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted intermittent thunderstorms and rainfall throughout the day. Delhiites woke up to a minimum temperature of 23.4 degrees Celsius – a notable 3.6 notches below the seasonal normal – offering a brief respite from the usual summer swelter, while the maximum is projected to hover around 32 degrees Celsius.

Over the past 24 hours ending at 8:30 AM, significant rainfall drenched various parts of the city, with Safdarjung Observatory recording 18.7 mm, Palam at 16.7 mm, Lodhi Road logging 19.8 mm, and Ridge area seeing the highest at 32.6 mm. This downpour led to widespread waterlogging in low-lying areas, causing traffic snarls and early morning commute disruptions across key spots like Minto Bridge, Vijay Chowk, and Moti Bagh. Multiple flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport faced delays due to the adverse weather, impacting travelers and adding to the chaos.

Humidity levels spiked to a muggy 98% by morning, making the air feel heavy and uncomfortable. Winds are expected to blow from the southwesterly direction at 10-15 kmph, shifting slightly throughout the day, contributing to the unstable atmospheric conditions. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Delhi-NCR, signaling potential for moderate to heavy showers that could exacerbate flooding in vulnerable zones. Residents are advised to avoid waterlogged roads and stay indoors during intense spells.

Also Read: South Bengal Districts Brace for Heavy Rainfall from July 23-27, Says IMD

Looking ahead, the wet spell isn't letting up anytime soon – light to moderate rain is predicted to continue across Delhi-NCR until August 17, potentially bringing more relief from heat but also risks of urban flooding and power outages. This comes amid a broader monsoon pattern, with neighboring Uttarakhand under a red alert for extreme rainfall, highlighting the active southwest monsoon's grip on northern India.

On a positive note, Delhi's air quality remained in the "moderate" category with an AQI of 102, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). While not ideal, it's a step above "poor" thresholds, thanks in part to the cleansing effect of recent rains. Remember, AQI readings between 101-200 fall under "moderate," posing mild health concerns for sensitive groups.

As the city navigates this stormy Tuesday, stay tuned to IMD updates and exercise caution on the roads.

Also Read: Yamuna Swells to Near Danger Mark in Delhi, Evacuation Plans Ready