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Delhi experienced light to moderate rainfall on Sunday night and Monday morning, with certain areas witnessing heavy showers. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast for additional rain over the next couple of days, attributing this to the proximity of the monsoon trough to Delhi. According to reports from the Times of India (TOI), central and south Delhi encountered light to moderate rainfall until 8:30 am on Monday. Subsequently, the weather transitioned to humid conditions with bright sunshine, although some localities experienced light drizzles. Najafgarh recorded the highest rainfall amount, measuring 95mm between Sunday night and Monday morning. The IMD anticipates similar rainfall patterns for Tuesday and Wednesday, with a yellow alert issued for Tuesday, indicating a possibility of severe weather. While no specific alert is in place for Wednesday, light to moderate showers are still expected, as per the TOI report. These weather conditions are typical for Delhi during the monsoon season, which usually brings relief from the scorching summer heat. However, the intensity and distribution of rainfall can vary significantly across different parts of the city, leading to localized flooding and disruptions in daily life. The monsoon trough, a low-pressure area that extends across the Indo-Gangetic Plain, plays a crucial role in determining the rainfall patterns in the region. Its position and intensity can influence the amount and duration of rainfall in Delhi and surrounding areas. The IMD closely monitors the movement of the monsoon trough to provide accurate forecasts and timely warnings to the public. The impact of rainfall on Delhi's infrastructure and daily life is significant. Heavy rainfall can lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas, disrupting traffic flow and causing inconvenience to commuters. The city's drainage system often struggles to cope with the volume of water, leading to flooding in residential and commercial areas. Power outages are also common during heavy rainfall events, as electricity infrastructure can be affected by water damage. The Delhi government and local authorities have been working to improve the city's drainage system and infrastructure to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall. However, these efforts are often hampered by rapid urbanization and the encroachment of water bodies. The monsoon season also has a positive impact on Delhi's environment. Rainfall helps to replenish groundwater levels, which are crucial for the city's water supply. It also helps to clean the air by washing away pollutants and dust particles. The monsoon season typically brings a significant improvement in air quality, providing relief from the high levels of pollution that plague the city during other times of the year. The role of accurate weather forecasting is critical for disaster preparedness and mitigation. The IMD's forecasts help the government and local authorities to prepare for potential flooding and other weather-related emergencies. Timely warnings can enable people to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property. The use of technology, such as weather radar and satellite imagery, has significantly improved the accuracy of weather forecasting. The IMD also collaborates with other national and international meteorological organizations to exchange data and improve forecasting models. The impact of climate change on rainfall patterns is a growing concern. Some studies suggest that climate change is leading to more extreme rainfall events, with heavier downpours and longer dry spells. This can have significant implications for water resources, agriculture, and disaster management. Understanding the impacts of climate change on rainfall patterns is crucial for developing effective adaptation strategies. The local residents are generally happy when the rain arrives. The rains provide respite from the heat and bring down the pollution. While rains can cause some temporary issues such as waterlogging, for many it is still welcome. The weather is an ever-changing event that needs to be continuously monitored and managed.
Safdarjung, Delhi's base station, recorded 11.8 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 am on Monday. Other areas also reported varying amounts of rainfall during the same period. Lodhi Road recorded 13.5 mm, the ridge in north Delhi 4.3 mm, Pragati Maidan 4.3 mm, Pusa 5 mm, Narela 0.5 mm, and Janakpuri 14 mm. The IMD reported that Palam received 20.8 mm and Ayanagar 10 mm, respectively. These figures highlight the spatial variability of rainfall across the city, with some areas receiving significantly more rainfall than others. The differences in rainfall amounts can be attributed to factors such as topography, proximity to water bodies, and local weather conditions. The monitoring of rainfall amounts is essential for understanding the water balance of the city and for managing water resources effectively. The data collected from various weather stations across Delhi provides valuable information for hydrological modeling and for assessing the impact of rainfall on groundwater levels and surface water runoff. The real-time monitoring of rainfall is also crucial for flood forecasting and for issuing timely warnings to the public. The authorities rely on rainfall data to assess the risk of flooding in different areas and to take appropriate measures to mitigate the impact of floods. The information is used to operate flood control structures, such as dams and barrages, and to evacuate people from low-lying areas. The continuous monitoring of rainfall also helps to assess the effectiveness of drainage infrastructure and to identify areas that require improvement. The data can be used to optimize the design and operation of drainage systems to minimize waterlogging and to prevent flooding. The importance of accurate rainfall measurements cannot be overstated. Accurate data is essential for a wide range of applications, including weather forecasting, water resource management, flood control, and agricultural planning. The IMD plays a critical role in collecting and disseminating rainfall data to various stakeholders. The IMD uses a network of automated weather stations and manual rain gauges to monitor rainfall across the country. The data is collected in real-time and is used to generate weather forecasts and to provide information to the public. The IMD also collaborates with other organizations, such as the Central Water Commission, to share rainfall data and to improve flood forecasting capabilities. The availability of accurate and timely rainfall data is crucial for sustainable development and for protecting communities from the impacts of extreme weather events. The role of technology in rainfall monitoring is constantly evolving. The use of satellite-based rainfall estimates has significantly improved the coverage of rainfall monitoring, especially in remote areas where ground-based observations are limited. Weather radar is also used to detect and track rainfall patterns in real-time, providing valuable information for short-term forecasting. The integration of different data sources and the development of sophisticated hydrological models are enabling more accurate and reliable rainfall forecasts. The importance of investing in rainfall monitoring infrastructure and in the development of advanced forecasting tools cannot be overemphasized. These investments are essential for building resilience to the impacts of climate change and for ensuring the sustainable management of water resources.
Between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm on Monday, Safdarjung recorded an additional 0.5 mm of rainfall, Palam 0.4 mm, Lodhi Road 0.7 mm, Ridge 0.6 mm, Najafgarh 0.5 mm, Rajghat 0.1 mm, and Ayanagar 0.4 mm. These relatively small amounts of rainfall indicate that the intensity of the showers decreased during the day. The cumulative rainfall amounts for the 24-hour period ending at 5:30 pm on Monday were significantly higher than the amounts recorded during the day, suggesting that the majority of the rainfall occurred during the night and early morning hours. According to the TOI, an IMD official stated that moderate spells of rain are expected until Wednesday. After that, the intensity of the rain is expected to decrease, but scattered light rain will still be seen until the weekend. This forecast provides some indication of the expected weather conditions for the coming days. The anticipation of continued rainfall has implications for various sectors, including transportation, agriculture, and public health. The authorities are likely to remain vigilant and to take necessary precautions to mitigate the potential impacts of the rain. The temperature and humidity levels in Delhi also play a role in shaping the overall weather conditions. The maximum temperature on Monday at Safdarjung was 35 degrees Celsius, which is two degrees below the normal for this time of year. Similar temperatures between 33-35 degrees Celsius are expected on Tuesday. The humidity levels in the city ranged from 57 per cent to 100 per cent, making the day feel sticky and uncomfortable. High humidity levels can exacerbate the impact of heat and can make it more difficult for people to cope with the weather conditions. The combination of high temperature and high humidity can lead to heat stress and other health problems. According to Mahesh Palawat, VP at Skymet Weather, patchy moderate rain is expected between July 8 and 10, especially early in the morning or in the evenings. While the monsoon trough was directly over Delhi on Sunday night, on Monday, it moved north of Delhi. The trough was passing through Sri Ganganagar, Sirsa, Meerut, Varanasi, Daltonganj, and Purulia till the Bay of Bengal, TOI reported. The movement of the monsoon trough is a key factor influencing the rainfall patterns in the region. As the trough shifts its position, the distribution and intensity of rainfall can change significantly. The movement of the monsoon trough is closely monitored by meteorologists to provide accurate weather forecasts. The location of the monsoon trough is also related to large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns, such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). These large-scale patterns can influence the strength and timing of the monsoon season and can impact rainfall amounts in different regions. The complex interplay of various weather factors makes it challenging to predict rainfall patterns with certainty. However, continuous monitoring and research are improving our understanding of the monsoon system and are enabling more accurate forecasts. The monsoon is a vital part of the South Asian climate and sustains the lives of billions.
Due to early morning rain, waterlogging was reported in areas like Mehrauli-Badarpur Road and Rohtak Road. Delhi Traffic Police posted updates on X, warning commuters about delays on Rohtak Road due to waterlogging, potholes, and ongoing repair work by the PWD. This highlights the challenges that Delhi faces during the monsoon season, particularly the issue of waterlogging. The city's infrastructure often struggles to cope with heavy rainfall, leading to disruptions in traffic flow and inconvenience to commuters. Waterlogging can also pose a safety hazard, especially for pedestrians and cyclists. The accumulation of water on roads can reduce visibility and can make it difficult to navigate. The presence of potholes can further exacerbate the problem, increasing the risk of accidents. The Delhi Traffic Police plays a crucial role in managing traffic during periods of heavy rainfall. They provide updates to commuters about road closures and traffic diversions. They also work to clear waterlogged areas and to assist motorists who are stranded. The Public Works Department (PWD) is responsible for maintaining the city's roads and drainage infrastructure. They undertake repair work to address potholes and to improve drainage capacity. However, the scale of the problem often overwhelms the resources available, and it can take time to address all of the issues. The issue of waterlogging is a complex one that requires a multi-faceted approach. Improving the city's drainage infrastructure is essential. This includes upgrading existing drainage systems and constructing new ones. It also involves maintaining existing drainage systems and ensuring that they are free from obstructions. Reducing the amount of impermeable surfaces in the city can also help to reduce waterlogging. This can be achieved through the use of green infrastructure, such as rain gardens and green roofs. Promoting sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) can also help to manage stormwater runoff. These systems are designed to mimic natural drainage patterns and to reduce the amount of water that enters the drainage system. Public awareness campaigns can also play a role in reducing waterlogging. These campaigns can educate people about the importance of not littering and of keeping drains clear. They can also provide information about how to report waterlogged areas to the authorities. Addressing the issue of waterlogging requires the cooperation of various stakeholders, including the government, the private sector, and the public. By working together, it is possible to create a more resilient and sustainable city that is better equipped to cope with the challenges of the monsoon season. The city of Delhi has much development and improving to do to make the lives of residents more easy during the Monsoon season. Overall the city can be improved to better handle the Monsoon.
Meanwhile, Delhi saw its 12th consecutive day of ‘satisfactory’ air quality on Monday, with the AQI recorded at 85. This is a positive development, as Delhi is often plagued by high levels of air pollution, particularly during the winter months. The monsoon season usually helps clean the air due to rainfall and strong winds. Rainfall washes away pollutants and dust particles from the air, while strong winds disperse them. The improvement in air quality during the monsoon season is a welcome relief for residents of Delhi. Last year, Delhi had 27 consecutive days of satisfactory air quality during the monsoon, while 2020 recorded the best spell with 51 such days, including four days in the ‘good’ category. This indicates that the monsoon season can have a significant impact on air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measure of the concentration of various pollutants in the air. An AQI of 0-50 is considered ‘good’, 51-100 ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 ‘moderate’, 201-300 ‘poor’, 301-400 ‘very poor’, and 401-500 ‘severe’. The factors that contribute to air pollution in Delhi include vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, construction dust, and burning of crop residue. During the winter months, the air quality often deteriorates due to the presence of a stable atmosphere and low wind speeds. Efforts are underway to reduce air pollution in Delhi. These efforts include promoting the use of public transport, encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles, controlling industrial emissions, and reducing construction dust. The government has also implemented policies to discourage the burning of crop residue. The long-term goal is to improve air quality to levels that are safe for human health. The challenge of improving air quality is a complex one that requires sustained efforts. It requires the cooperation of various stakeholders, including the government, the private sector, and the public. The benefits of clean air are significant. Clean air is essential for human health. It also improves the quality of life and reduces the burden on the healthcare system. The pursuit of clean air is a worthwhile endeavor that is essential for creating a sustainable and healthy environment for future generations. The current air quality is a testament to the fact that even the most polluted areas can be improved with proper action. The city of Delhi can be a place that has both clear air and a pleasant climate for its residents.