Delhi Clocks A New Rain Record For August This Year, But It Didn't Flood — Here's Why

Delhi has made a new record in August this year for the decade, read on to know what the data by India Meteorological Department has revealed.

Delhi recorded its highest rainfall this month making it the wettest August of the decade. According to the data from the India Meteorological Department, the city recorded a rainfall of 269.9 millimetres in August.

By August 22, the national capital received a total of 269.9 mm of rainfall, surpassing the previous high recorded in August 2014, as per the IMD data, reported PTI. 

The number of rainy days in the city also exceeded expectations in addition to the total rainfall. The mean number of rainy days, which is defined as days when rainfall exceeds the 2.4mm mark, is usually 10.2 days for August in the Safdarjung area. 

However this year, the mean number of rainy days was recorded at 11 by August 22, indicating the unusual intensity of this year's monsoon.

According to the IMD data, the highest August rainfall in recent years was recorded in 2013 with 321 mm and in 2012 with 378 mm.

The all-time record for highest rainfall in August stands at 583.3 mm in 1961, according to the IMD data.

Why Floods Didn't Hit Delhi Despite Record Rain?

The heavy rains, however, did not result in flooding of the city as Irrigation and flood control minister Saurabh Bharadwaj had said that Yamuna would have an unobstructed path for its flow. As the monsoon season began, the Delhi minister said in June that the Delhi irrigation and flood control department has implemented a novel approach called the "Pilot Cut" for the first time to prevent water accumulation in the Yamuna and to mitigate the risk of flooding. 

The experiment involves excavating small channels from the accumulated soil in front of the barrage, stretching far inland. This process gives rise to isolated soil formations, effectively turning them into tiny islands, surrounded by the newly formed waterways in the Yamuna."