Delhi Receives 148.5 mm of Rainfall in 3 Hours, City Brought to a Standstill
Heavy Rainfall Paralyzes Delhi
28.06.2024: Delhi experienced a massive downpour, recording 148.5 mm of rainfall in just three hours. The intense rain led to severe water-logging across the city, power outages in residential areas, and inundated roads, causing significant traffic disruptions. The heavy rainfall also affected flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Incident at Delhi Airport
Tragedy struck as a portion of the canopy at the old Departure forecourt of Terminal 1 at Delhi airport collapsed due to the heavy rain, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to at least eight others.
Rainfall Statistics
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Safdarjung base station recorded 228.1 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours until 8:30 am on Friday. From 2:30 am to 5:30 am, the station recorded 148.5 mm of rainfall.
Flight Operations Affected
Flight operations at Delhi airport were disrupted due to the adverse weather conditions. Airlines like SpiceJet and IndiGo issued advisories warning passengers about potential delays and cancellations. SpiceJet advised passengers to check their flight status, citing bad weather conditions in Delhi.
IMD Advisory and Forecast
The IMD issued an advisory warning of slippery roads, low visibility, traffic disruptions, and localized waterlogging in low-lying areas. They urged citizens to avoid waterlogged areas, monitor traffic congestion, and stay updated with weather warnings. The air quality in the Delhi-NCR region improved significantly, with 18 out of 26 stations showing a satisfactory air quality index (AQI).
Future Weather Predictions
The IMD’s seven-day forecast predicts heavy rain after June 30. A yellow alert (be aware) has been issued for the upcoming week, and an orange warning (be prepared) for Sunday. The IMD also shared a satellite image indicating light to moderate spells of rainfall with occasional intense spells, accompanied by isolated thunderstorms and lightning, over several regions including Delhi.