Delhi submerged as 228.1 mm of rain breaks a 43-year-old record, turning roads into rivers

On June 28, 2024, residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) experienced a historic day as heavy rainfall broke a 43-year-old record. This deluge submerged the entire region, causing numerous difficulties. Let’s take a closer look at this extraordinary event and understand its impact on Delhi weather.

Rainfall in Delhi NCR:

On the morning of June 28, 2024, heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by severe thunderstorms broke a 43-year-old record in Delhi NCR. The day's downpour nearly matched an 88-year record, significantly altering Delhi's weather.

Here are the cumulative rainfall figures for the 24 hours up to 8:30 AM on June 28:

1. Safdarjung: 228.1 mm (8.98 inches)
2. Lodhi Road, Mausam Bhawan: 192.8 mm (7.6 inches)
3. Ridge: 150.4 mm (5.9 inches)
4. Delhi University: 139 mm (5.5 inches)
5. Pitampura: 138 mm (5.4 inches)
6. Palam: 106.6 mm (4.2 inches)
7. Pusa: 89 mm (3.5 inches)
8. Salwan Public School, Mayur Vihar: 75 mm (3.0 inches)
9. Pharma Science and Research University, Tughlakabad: 70.5 mm (2.8 inches)
10. Ayanagar: 66.3 mm (2.6 inches)
11. IGNOU, Mehrauli: 45.5 mm (1.8 inches)
12. Narayana: 42 mm (1.7 inches)
13. Air Force Station, Hindon: 10.5 mm (0.4 inches)
14. Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad: 12 mm (0.5 inches)
15. NorthCap University, Gurugram: 39 mm (1.5 inches)
16. Ujwa: 11 mm (0.4 inches)
17. CRPF Campus, Jharoda Kalan: 5 mm (0.2 inches)

The heaviest rainfall occurred primarily between 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM on June 28, with the maximum intensity between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM.

Comparison with Previous Records: Based on data from 1901-2024, the cumulative daily rainfall recorded in Safdarjung up to 8:30 AM on June 28, 2024, is the second highest for the month of June. The highest was recorded on June 24, 1936, with 235.5 mm. The table below highlights the top cumulative rainfall records for June in Safdarjung:

Monsoon Onset and Its Impact: The onset of this year’s monsoon has significantly affected Delhi NCR, providing relief from the heat while also causing waterlogging and traffic issues.

Monsoon Intensity: The early heavy rainfall indicates a potentially intense monsoon season this year. This is good news for farmers but could exacerbate waterlogging problems in urban areas.

Weather Forecast for the Next 7 Days in Safdarjung:

Rain is likely to continue in Delhi NCR in the coming days. The weather forecast for the next 7 days in Safdarjung is as follows:

Conclusion: The heavy rainfall on June 28, 2024, set a new record in Delhi NCR and posed several challenges. It highlights the need for preparedness to tackle such situations in the future.