Delhi Rain: After facing the brunt of scorching heat for several weeks, the national capital witnessed record-breaking rainfall on Friday. Several parts of Delhi witnessed heavy and incessant rainfall on Friday. The downpour led to widespread waterlogging and severe traffic jams on Friday morning.


According to the Meteorological Department, the national capital received 228 mm of rainfall from 8:30 A.M. on Thursday to 8:30 A.M. on Friday, marking the highest 24-hour rainfall in June since 1936, when 235.5 mm of rain was recorded, as reported by news agency IANS. Typically, the city receives an average of 80.6 mm of rain in June.


The deluge had a significant impact on the daily lives of people in the Delhi-NCR, with commuters facing severe waterlogging and traffic jams during their morning commute.


The heavy rainfall, however, brought respite from the sweltering heat of the past two months, with the minimum temperature on Friday recorded at 24.7 degrees Celsius, 3.2 degrees below normal. This unprecedented downpour has highlighted the shortcomings in the infrastructure in the national capital.


Despite claims by Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi on June 18 that the city was prepared for the monsoon, the first significant rain has already caused substantial waterlogging. Oberoi had previously assured that the storm drains were clean and ready, promising a hassle-free monsoon for Delhi residents.


Besides waterlogging, traffic jams also cause trouble for residents in the city. According to IANS, major intersections like ITO saw about two to three feet of water accumulation, causing extensive traffic jams.


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The Hanuman Temple Intersection leading to Mandi House was submerged under three feet of water, leading to road closures and disruptions on Ashoka Road, Feroz Shah Road, and Connaught Place. Similar conditions were reported in Moolchand and other areas of Delhi.


Infrastructure Not Designed To Handle Such Heavy Rain, Says Somnath Bharti 


Speaking on the incessant rainfall in the national capital, AAP MLA Somnath Bharti said, "Experts are saying that in 1936, there was 235 mm of rainfall in June, today, there was the second highest rainfall of 228 mm in June after 1936. The infrastructure is not designed to handle such heavy rain."