Extreme Rainfall Alert in Delhi: Weather Updates

Extreme Rainfall Alert in Delhi: Weather Updates, AQI Impact & One-Week Forecast

Delhi, the heart of India, is grappling with extreme weather conditions as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an alert for intense rainfall over the coming days. Alongside this, air quality concerns persist, painting a complex picture for the residents of the capital. Here’s a detailed account of the current weather scenario, its implications, and the forecast for the next week.

Extreme Rainfall: Current Scenario

The IMD has issued a red alert for Delhi and its adjoining areas due to the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coming days. The rain is expected to be intermittent but intense, with potential spells of thunderstorms and lightning. This is part of a larger weather system influenced by the monsoon trough shifting closer to Delhi-NCR.

Impact of Heavy Rainfall

1. Urban Flooding:
   • Persistent rainfall increases the risk of waterlogging in low-lying areas and urban localities, disrupting daily activities.
   • Major roads and underpasses are likely to witness water accumulation, causing severe traffic congestion.
2. Transport Disruptions:
   • Train services and flight operations could be delayed or canceled.
   • Commuters are advised to plan their travel with contingencies in mind.
3. Health Concerns:
   • Stagnant water can lead to the proliferation of mosquitoes, increasing the risk of diseases such as dengue and malaria.
   • Respiratory ailments may worsen due to high humidity levels combined with the already compromised air quality.

Air Quality Index (AQI) Amid Rainfall

Delhi’s AQI remains a major concern. While rainfall typically improves air quality by washing away pollutants, this effect may be temporary. Currently, Delhi’s AQI hovers in the “moderate” to “poor” categories, depending on the locality. The IMD predicts a short-term improvement in AQI due to rain; however, post-rain scenarios may see a resurgence of pollutants as moisture traps particulate matter.

AQI Categories in Delhi:

• Good (0-50): Ideal conditions.
• Satisfactory (51-100): Minor discomfort to sensitive individuals.
• Moderate (101-200): breathing discomfort for sensitive groups.
• Poor (201-300): breathing discomfort for most individuals.
• Very Poor (301-400): Increased respiratory illness.
• Severe (401-500): serious health impacts.

One-Week Weather Forecast for Delhi

Here’s the detailed weather outlook for the next seven days, combining rainfall and AQI predictions:

Day 1: Today (27th December 2024)

• Rainfall: Heavy rain is expected, accompanied by thunderstorms.
• Temperature: high of 28°C, low of 22°C.
• AQI: Moderate (150-200) with temporary improvement due to rain.

Day 2: Tomorrow (28th December 2024)

• Rainfall: Continued heavy spells with occasional light rain.
• Temperature: high of 27°C, low of 21°C.
• AQI: satisfactory (50-100) due to washout effect.

Day 3: Saturday (29th December 2024)

• Rainfall: reduced intensity but persistent drizzle throughout the day.
• Temperature: high of 30°C, low of 23°C.
• AQI: Moderate (100-150) as pollutants begin to settle back.

Day 4: Sunday (30th December 2024)

• Rainfall: Cloudy with light rain; humidity remains high.
• Temperature: high of 31°C, low of 24°C.
• AQI: Poor (200-250) due to stagnant air and increased vehicular emissions.

Day 5: Monday (31st December 2024)

• Rainfall: Partly cloudy with isolated rain spells.
• Temperature: high of 32°C, low of 25°C.
• AQI: Poor (220-280) as air quality deteriorates further.

Day 6: Tuesday (1st January 2025)

• Rainfall: minimal precipitation; skies clear up.
• Temperature: high of 34°C, low of 26°C.
• AQI: Very Poor (300-350) as pollutant levels rebound significantly.

Day 7: Wednesday (2nd January 2025)

• Rainfall: dry weather; high humidity levels.
• Temperature: high of 35°C, low of 27°C.
• AQI: Severe (400-450) unless significant interventions are undertaken.

Preparedness Measures for Residents

1. Precautions During Rainfall:
   • Avoid venturing into waterlogged areas.
   • Keep essential items, including flashlights, medicines, and food supplies, ready.
   • Ensure proper drainage systems in homes to prevent flooding.
2. Health Measures:
   • Use mosquito repellents and keep surroundings clean to prevent water stagnation.
   • Wear masks to protect against pollutants even during rainfall.
   • Stay hydrated and avoid outdoor exertion during humid conditions.
3. AQI-Specific Actions:
   • Limit outdoor activities during “poor” and “very poor” AQI levels.
   • Use air purifiers indoors to mitigate health impacts.
   • Follow government advisories on odd-even vehicular schemes if implemented.

Government Interventions

The Delhi government and civic authorities are on high alert:

• Rainfall:
  • Pumping stations have been activated to manage waterlogging.
  • Rescue and relief teams are on standby.
• AQI Management:
  • Anti-smog guns and water sprinklers are deployed in high-pollution zones.
  • Strict monitoring of construction activities and waste burning is underway.

Conclusion

Delhi’s extreme rainfall alert and fluctuating AQI demand proactive measures from residents and authorities alike. While the rain offers temporary relief from pollution, it also brings challenges such as waterlogging and health risks. Over the next week, the weather is expected to transition from heavy rainfall to drier conditions with a potential rebound in air pollution levels. Staying informed and prepared is key to navigating this dual challenge of weather and air quality in the capital.

Read more about this what IMD issued notice on weather. Here is the notice below:

Main Weather Observations

Rainfall Distribution

• From 0830 hours IST to 1730 hours IST of today:
  • At most places: Over Delhi, Punjab.
  • At many places: Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
  • At a few places: Haryana, East Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, West Uttar Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal.
  • At isolated places: Vidarbha, Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam, South Interior Karnataka, Madhya Maharashtra.

Heavy Rainfall Observed

• From 0830 hours IST to 1730 hours IST of today: NIL.

Significant Amount of Rainfall

• From 0830 hours IST to 1730 hours IST of today:
  • Delhi: Safdarjung, Palam, Lodhi Road, Ridge (8 cm), Ayanagar (2 cm).
  • West Uttar Pradesh: Hindan_IAF (4 cm), Meerut, Muzaffarnagar (3 cm each), Punjab: Halwara_IAF (2 cm).
  • East Rajasthan: Ajmer (2 cm).
  • Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Long Island (2 cm).

Minimum Temperature Departures (as on 27th December 2024)

• Markedly above normal (5.1°C or more):
  • Most places: North Interior Karnataka.
  • At many places: Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat Region, East Rajasthan, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, Vidarbha, Telangana.
• Appreciably above normal (3.1°C to 5.0°C):
  • Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh.
• Below normal (-1.6°C to -3.0°C):
  • Isolated places: Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad.
• Today’s lowest minimum temperature: 5.4°C reported at Churu (West Rajasthan).

Maximum Temperature Departures (as on 27th December 2024)

• Markedly above normal (5.1°C or more):
  • A few places: East Uttar Pradesh.
  • Isolated places: Bihar, Chhattisgarh, East Madhya Pradesh.
• Appreciably above normal (3.1°C to 5.0°C):
  • West Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal & Sikkim, Assam & Meghalaya.
• Above normal (1.6°C to 3.0°C):
  • West Uttar Pradesh, Vidarbha, Odisha, Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura.
• Markedly below normal (-5.1°C or less):
  • Many places: Delhi.
• Today’s highest maximum temperature: 35.4°C reported at Honavar (Coastal Karna

Read detailed notice on IMD and Check another articles on AQI of Delhi