Delhi Records Historic Rainfall: Unprecedented Downpour Shatters 88-Year-Old Record

Delhi experienced an extraordinary weather event on Friday, recording 228.1 mm of rainfall within a 24-hour period, the highest June rainfall in the city since 1936. This unprecedented downpour, as measured by the Safdarjung Observatory, was more than three times the June average of 74.1 mm and marked the heaviest single-day rainfall for the month in at least 16 years. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast additional spells of rain over the weekend, suggesting that the capital may continue to experience significant weather disturbances.

In a detailed press release, the IMD explained the meteorological factors behind this heavy rainfall. The stagnation of the monsoon’s advance over eastern India due to a weaker monsoon current over the Bay of Bengal played a crucial role. From June 25 onwards, a series of developments contributed to the revival and strengthening of the monsoon. An upper air cyclonic circulation over central and adjoining northern Bay of Bengal began to intensify, and the southwest monsoon current over the Arabian Sea also gained strength, increasing wind speeds and reinforcing the offshore trough along the west coast.

An east-west shear zone lay across northern peninsular India at the middle troposphere level, creating favorable conditions for heavy rainfall. This situation continued through June 26 and 27, leading to strong southeasterly winds blowing from the Bay of Bengal towards northwest India, including Delhi. The upper air cyclonic circulation further extended from surface to middle tropospheric levels over the northwest Bay of Bengal, enhancing the movement of warm and moist air from the Bay of Bengal towards northwest India.

Additionally, a low-pressure area formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Odisha-Gangetic West Bengal coasts around midnight on June 27, which further boosted the advection of moist air towards Delhi. An anticyclone centered northeast of Delhi at an altitude of nine to twelve kilometers above mean sea level provided strong upper-level divergence, supporting lower-level wind convergence. These large-scale monsoonal synoptic weather systems, combined with mesoscale convective activity, resulted in the intense thunderstorms and heavy rainfall observed in Delhi on June 28.

Why this matters: The record-breaking rainfall has significant implications for Delhi’s urban infrastructure. Such extreme weather events can strain drainage systems, cause severe waterlogging, and disrupt transportation networks. The city’s preparedness and resilience to such events are crucial in mitigating damage and ensuring the safety of its residents. Given that Delhi received nearly one-third of its total monsoon rainfall on the first day of heavy rain this season, it highlights the urgent need for effective urban planning and robust infrastructure to handle such unprecedented rainfall.

From an environmental perspective, the heavy rainfall underscores the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events likely influenced by climate change. The detailed explanation provided by the IMD about the meteorological conditions leading to this event also points to the complex interactions between various atmospheric systems. Understanding these patterns is essential for improving weather forecasts and preparing for future climatic challenges. The historical context of this rainfall event, breaking an 88-year-old record, also provides valuable data for climatologists studying long-term weather trends.

The economic impact of such heavy rainfall can be substantial. Flooding can damage property, disrupt businesses, and necessitate costly repairs and emergency responses. For the general public, particularly those in vulnerable areas, the social impact includes displacement, health risks due to waterborne diseases, and potential loss of livelihood. The government and relevant authorities must prioritize resources and strategies to mitigate these impacts and support affected communities.

Key Takeaways

• Delhi recorded 228.1 mm of rainfall in a 24-hour period, the highest for June since 1936, significantly exceeding the monthly average.

• The heavy rainfall was due to a combination of stalled monsoon advance, upper air cyclonic circulation, and strong southeasterly winds, among other factors.

• The extreme weather event underscores the need for robust urban infrastructure to handle significant rainfall and prevent severe waterlogging and disruption.

• The increasing frequency of extreme weather events highlights the impact of climate change and the need for improved weather forecasting and preparation.

• Heavy rainfall can cause extensive economic damage and social disruption, necessitating effective government response and support for affected communities.

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