Delhi Records Highest December Rainfall in 15 Years, Temperature Drops Sharply

Temperature Plummets: Cold Wave Grips Delhi

December 28, 2024: Delhi witnessed relentless rainfall on Friday, recording the highest December precipitation in the last 15 years, accompanied by a sharp drop in temperature, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

The rain, which began late Thursday around 2:30 AM, continued throughout Friday, leaving the city drenched and causing widespread waterlogging and traffic snarls.

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Record-Breaking Rainfall:

• The Safdarjung Observatory, Delhi’s primary weather station, recorded 9.1 mm of rainfall by 8:30 AM on Friday and an additional 30.2 mm by 5:30 PM.
• Palam recorded 31.4 mm, Lodhi Road 34.2 mm, Ridge 33.4 mm, Delhi University 39 mm, and Pusa 35 mm.
• The total rainfall for December now stands at 42.8 mm, the highest since 2009.

Temperature Drop:

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The city recorded a maximum temperature of 14.6°C and a minimum of 9.5°C, marking the lowest maximum December temperature in five years.

Traffic and Infrastructure Disruption:

• The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) reported nine waterlogging complaints and four related to fallen trees.
• The Public Works Department (PWD) received one complaint each of waterlogging and tree collapse.

Weather Forecast:

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The IMD predicts cloudy skies with intermittent rain on Saturday, along with foggy conditions in the morning and evening. Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 15°C and 12°C, respectively.

Air Quality Worsens:
The 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 353, with most monitoring stations reporting “very poor” or “poor” air quality levels. Nehru Nagar registered air quality in the “severe” category.

Future Outlook:
While the rain provided temporary relief from pollution, weather officials warn of continued cold wave conditions, with smog and shallow fog expected over the coming days.

As Delhiites brace for more rain and chilly weather, authorities urge commuters to plan their travel accordingly and remain cautious amid waterlogged roads and reduced visibility.

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