Delhi's second heaviest rainfall since 1901 causes havoc
Delhi's second-heaviest rainfall since 1901 resulted in 78 mm of precipitation, causing widespread havoc. The downpour led to toppled houses and trees, severe waterlogging, and traffic disruptions. The rain brought a notable temperature drop, impacting daily life and highlighting the city's vulnerability to extreme weather conditions.
Delhi experienced intense rainfall accompanied by severe thunderstorms, causing houses, trees, and signboards to collapse as if they were a house of cards. By 8:30 am on Friday, Delhi had received 78 mm of rain, marking it as the second-highest 24-hour rainfall since 1901, just below the 119.3 mm recorded on May 20, 2021, according to the India Meteorological Department. The IMD noted that Lodhi Road witnessed the highest rainfall at 78 mm, while Safdarjung airport recorded 77 mm.
Highest rainfall since 1901
The IMD reported that alterations in wind patterns and consistently favorable synoptic conditions at mid-troposphere levels contributed to increased moisture from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, leading to significant rainfall. On May 20, 2021, SFD Airport experienced the highest rainfall since 1901, measuring 119.3 mm. The intense downpour promptly reduced the temperature by seven to ten degrees Celsius.
The unexpected intense rainfall resulted in significant waterlogging, causing traffic congestion in various areas of Delhi. Locations such as Gurgaon, Delhi Airport, and Minto Road were severely flooded, creating considerable discomfort for residents. This sudden change in weather is causing many challenges for the people.