The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted rain for Independence Day, raising the possibility of wet conditions when Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoists the national flag at Red Fort. The IMD has issued a ‘yellow’ alert for light to moderate rain from Wednesday to Friday, cautioning Delhi residents about potential weather-related disruptions.
Weather Forecast and Alerts:
According to the IMD, Delhi is expected to experience generally cloudy skies over the next few days, accompanied by light to moderate rain, thundershowers, and occasional lightning. The Met department has warned that such weather conditions could cause minor traffic disruptions, an increased likelihood of vehicle accidents, and water accumulation in low-lying areas and on roads.
“Check for traffic congestion on your route before leaving for your destination. Follow any traffic advisories that are issued in this regard. Avoid going to areas that face waterlogging problems often,” the IMD advised.
Rainfall Data:
On Tuesday, several parts of Delhi recorded light to moderate rain. Safdarjung, the city’s base station, logged 12.2 mm of rainfall between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm. Other areas also reported rainfall during the same period, with Delhi University recording 25.5 mm, Ridge in north Delhi 23.8 mm, Lodhi Road 8.8 mm, Ayanagar 8 mm, and Pitampura 7.5 mm.
As of 5:30 pm on Tuesday, Safdarjung had received 220.8 mm of rainfall in August, nearing the long-period average for the entire month, which is 233.1 mm.
Weather Systems at Play:
A Met official explained that the monsoon trough is currently near its normal position at mean sea level and is expected to oscillate near this position for most of the week. Several weather systems are contributing to the rainfall in northwest India:
- A cyclonic circulation over northeast Rajasthan and its neighborhood, extending up to middle tropospheric levels.
- A trough running from this cyclonic circulation to Bangladesh at lower tropospheric levels.
- Another cyclonic circulation over southeast Pakistan and adjoining Rajasthan at lower tropospheric levels.
These systems are causing widespread rain in the region, particularly over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
Temperature and Air Quality:
On Tuesday, the maximum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 33.6 degrees Celsius, one degree below normal. The minimum temperature was 25 degrees Celsius, two notches below normal. Relative humidity ranged between 76% and 100%.
Despite the rainy conditions, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘satisfactory’ category with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 65. The AQI is expected to stay in this category for the next few days, providing some respite from pollution.
Looking Ahead:
As Delhi prepares for the Independence Day celebrations, residents are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and take necessary precautions to avoid disruptions caused by the expected rainfall. The IMD’s forecast suggests that the city will continue to experience moderate rainfall over the coming days, contributing to the overall monsoon season.
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