New Delhi: Weather conditions across Delhi-NCR have taken a turn today. Cloud cover has been observed since morning, and in some parts of Delhi, rain and winds have provided relief from the scorching heat. Forecasts predict rain and dust storms across all areas of Delhi-NCR, and the IMD has urged people to exercise caution.
Meanwhile, the monsoon’s progress has slowed due to a low-pressure area forming over Central India. Intermittent spells of rain are expected in Delhi-NCR over the next few hours. Although the monsoon arrived in the capital on June 2, raising hopes for torrential downpours that did not materialise, a brief, heavy spell of rain lasting half an hour did offer residents some relief from the heat.
Relief from the heat for Delhiites
On Sunday, the first heavy spell of monsoon rain brought relief to residents of the national capital from the intense heat. However, the resulting waterlogging exposed the city’s infrastructure shortcomings. Clogged drains turned roads into rivers in several areas, causing significant inconvenience to commuters.
Just 30 minutes of rain raised questions about the city’s civic management. Waterlogging slowed down vehicular traffic and made movement difficult for pedestrians. Traffic jams in certain areas further exacerbated the situation.
Roads submerged in water.
Monsoon rains submerged roads in several parts of Delhi, causing trouble for commuters. The impact was not limited to the Dwarka Expressway; traffic was disrupted by waterlogging in Tughlakabad, Pul Prahladpur, Minto Bridge, Okhla Industrial Area, the Biodiversity Park, and various low-lying areas.
Excessive water accumulation brought two-wheeler traffic to a standstill; people were seen wading through the water while pushing their bikes. Traffic jams caused further difficulties, with commuters facing delays of several hours to cover even short distances.
Waterlogging in the Dwarka Expressway Underpass
According to locals, the Dwarka Expressway underpass faces disruptions every year due to monsoon rains. Rainwater accumulates to such an extent that traffic comes to a complete standstill, causing significant inconvenience to commuters. Residents allege that while the administration makes grand claims regarding drainage arrangements annually, the actual results are negligible once the monsoon rains arrive; a permanent solution to this problem has yet to be found.
How long will the weather remain unsettled?
According to the Meteorological Department, a warning for heavy rainfall in Delhi has been issued up to July 10. Additionally, winds blowing at speeds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour are likely. Meanwhile, the minimum temperature recorded in Delhi on Sunday was 29.2 degrees Celsius.
This was 1.3 degrees above the seasonal average. The minimum temperature in Delhi on Sunday was 29.2 degrees Celsius, which is 1.3 degrees above the seasonal average. The department has predicted cloudy skies, with the maximum temperature likely to hover around 36 degrees Celsius.
