Delhi Weather Update: Record-breaking rainfall, accompanied by strong winds, was seen across Haryana, West UP, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand, and Delhi NCR, on Friday. Four people even lost their lives in Delhi in rain- and storm-related incidents. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has now released startling figures over the rainfall.
According to the IMD, Delhi recorded its second-highest 24-hour rainfall in May in 124 years on Friday, May 2. Delhi's main weather station, Safdarjung, recorded 77 mm of rainfall in just six hours between 2.30 AM and 8.30 AM. The IMD stated that this was the second-highest 24-hour rainfall in the national capital in May since record-keeping began in 1901.
The highest single-day rainfall in May was 119.3 mm recorded in 2021 and before that, the highest 24-hour rainfall for the month in the capital was 60 mm recorded on May 24, 1976.
Lowest Temperature In 2 Years
On Friday, the maximum temperature was 29.1 degrees Celsius, which was 10.2 degrees below normal. This was the lowest temperature for this month in the last two years. According to IMD data, the lowest maximum temperature in May last year was 35.5 degrees Celsius, while in 2023 it was 26.1 degrees Celsius, the lowest in many years.
The minimum temperature on Friday was recorded at 18.5 degrees Celsius, 6.5 degrees below normal. Relative humidity remained between 100% and 60%.
Rain Likely To Continue Next Week
The IMD has forecast cloudy conditions and the likelihood of rain or showers with thunder in Delhi in the coming week. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to be around 34 and 21 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Torrential rain in Delhi-NCR on May 2 impacted traffic movement, causing long snarls. Several flights were delayed as airport operations were hit. The storm uprooted many trees across NCR. The situation may continue next week.