Delhi-NCR Heavy Rainfall Breaks 4-Year October Record, Temperature Drops and Air Quality Improves

A sudden spell of heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms lashed Delhi and the National Capital Region early Monday morning, breaking a four-year record for precipitation in the month of October. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Safdarjung observatory recorded 41.6 mm of rainfall over the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 AM on Monday. The last time higher rainfall was recorded in October was on October 9, 2022, when approximately 74 mm of rain was measured.

Widespread Showers and Waterlogging Issues

Rainfall varied across different parts of the capital. The Ridge weather station recorded the highest precipitation at 49 mm, followed by Lodhi Road at 41.4 mm, Ayanagar at 39 mm, and Palam at 31 mm. The downpour led to waterlogging in several areas, including Sainik Farms and Mahipalpur in south Delhi. Traffic movement was temporarily affected on key stretches, prompting the Delhi traffic police to issue advisory updates and divert vehicles from waterlogged zones.

Significant Drop in Temperature and AQI Improvement

The showers brought a welcome relief from the heat, pushing maximum temperatures well below normal levels. Safdarjung recorded a maximum temperature of 30.2 degrees Celsius, four notches below the seasonal average. Meteorological experts attributed the weather shift to a western disturbance over northern Pakistan coupled with cyclonic circulation over Haryana and moisture-laden winds from the seas. Furthermore, the rain dramatically cleansed the atmosphere, bringing the average Air Quality Index (AQI) down to 83, placing it firmly in the 'satisfactory' category for the first time this month.