New Delhi, October 15 Rain and gusty winds swept across Delhi on Thursday, bringing the maximum temperature at Safdarjung down to 28.3 degrees Celsius, the lowest so far this month, while waterlogging and traffic congestion were reported at several locations.
The maximum temperature was 4.9 degrees below normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Dark clouds hovered over the city throughout the day as intermittent showers slowed traffic on several roads.
The IMD issued orange and red alerts for rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds until 3 pm.
The IMD data said Safdarjung recorded 15.9 mm of rainfall between 11.30 am and 2.30 pm. Lodi Road received 20 mm during the period, while the Ridge recorded 24.5 mm. Palam and Ayanagar received 11.2 mm and 7.2 mm, respectively.
Among other stations, Mayur Vihar recorded 15.2 mm of rainfall, Pitampura 13 mm, Chhatarpur 10 mm, Jharoda Kalan 9.5 mm, Pusa 6 mm, Narayana 5.5 mm and Janakpuri 4.5 mm. Najafgarh recorded no rainfall during the period.
Heavy showers disrupted traffic across several parts of the capital, with residents reporting congestion at major junctions and on arterial roads.
At Mandi House Circle, vehicles packed tightly together, while commuters complained about the alleged absence of traffic personnel to regulate the flow. Commuters also reported heavy congestion at India Gate, with one resident saying he was stuck in traffic for nearly 30 minutes.
Around ITO, commuters reported snarls on the Vikas Marg-ITO stretch and roads connecting ITO to the Supreme Court and Bharat Mandapam. Heavy traffic was also seen near the Supreme Court.
In South Delhi, vehicles queued up from the Chirag Delhi red light towards IIT Delhi and Hauz Khas. Commuters also flagged congestion near the Ashram flyover exit towards Sarai Kale Khan and Sunlight Colony. Encroachments and construction material stored on footpaths allegedly worsened traffic near Okhla Phase 1.
In Model Town, waterlogging added to traffic congestion during school dispersal hours. Responding to a complaint, the Delhi Traffic Police said it had forwarded the matter to the concerned traffic circle for action. Waterlogging was reported near Mandi House and Geeta Colony, while traffic snarls were reported around Palam and AIIMS.
Palam recorded a maximum temperature of 28.1 degrees Celsius, while Lodi Road recorded 27.8 degrees, the Ridge 27.4 degrees and Ayanagar 28.4 degrees.
The minimum temperature at Safdarjung settled at 23.3 degrees Celsius, 3.7 notches above normal. The IMD reported a minimum of 21.5 degrees at Palam, 22 degrees at Lodi Road, 22.3 degrees at the Ridge, and 23.4 degrees at Ayanagar.
Delhi recorded 42 mm of rainfall on October 12, the highest single-day October rainfall since 2022.
Weather experts attributed Thursday’s showers to an active western disturbance, supported by cyclonic circulations and a trough influencing weather conditions over the region. The IMD said a western disturbance was present as a cyclonic circulation over north Punjab and adjoining areas, with a trough extending through the middle and upper tropospheric levels. Another cyclonic circulation lay over south Haryana and adjoining areas.
Despite the rainfall, Delhi’s air quality remained in the moderate category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 149, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said. The CPCB classifies an AQI of 0-50 as good, 51-100 as satisfactory, 101-200 as moderate, 201-300 as poor, 301-400 as very poor and 401-500 as severe.
The IMD has forecast no rainfall in the national capital from October 17 to October 22.
(PTI News)
