On Friday morning, a significant downpour struck Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), leading to widespread waterlogging and severe traffic disruptions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert, signaling residents to be cautious until Sunday. Here’s a detailed update on the current weather situation, the impact on daily life, and essential travel advisories.
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Weather Alert and Forecast
The IMD’s yellow alert, valid across most of Delhi-NCR, except for Northwest NCR, warns of ongoing moderate rain and generally cloudy conditions. The alert is based on the IMD’s seven-day forecast, which predicts continued rain and cloud cover. Earlier in the day, the IMD had issued more severe warnings: a red alert for the Northeast and Northwest regions and an orange alert for the Southeast and Southwest parts of Delhi-NCR. These alerts were in effect from 6:15 am to 8:15 am.
As noted in an IMD update posted on X at 6:06 am, “A cloud mass is passing through Delhi. Movement is slow, and a spell of moderate to intense rain may persist over the next 2 hours.” This forecast highlights the potential for continued disruptions throughout the day.
Rainfall Statistics and Impact
The recent rainfall has been substantial. From 8:30 am Thursday to 6:30 am Friday, Delhi experienced significant precipitation, with various Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) recording the following amounts:
- Delhi University: 89.5 mm
- IGNOU: 34.5 mm
- Pitampura: 8.5 mm
- Narayana: 8.5 mm
- Pushpa Vihar: 8.5 mm
- Pragati Maidan: 6.5 mm
This heavy rainfall has contributed to severe waterlogging in multiple areas across the city, significantly affecting daily commutes and transport routes.
Traffic Disruptions and Public Advisories
In response to the waterlogging, Delhi Traffic Police have issued advisories for the public to avoid certain routes. The most affected areas include:
- Zakhira Underpass
- Munirka Bus Stop
- R.K. Puram Sector-12
- Nigam Bodh Ghat
- Chatta Rail Chowk
- Ch. Fateh Singh Marg
- Under Minto Bridge
- Dhaula Kuan Flyover
Travelers are advised to seek alternative routes to avoid delays and potential hazards caused by the standing water.
Temperature and Humidity Levels
The weather conditions also brought notable changes in temperature and humidity:
- Minimum Temperature: 25.2°C, which is two degrees below the seasonal average.
- Maximum Temperature on Thursday: 36.2°C, slightly above the normal range for the Safdarjung station, which serves as a representative weather gauge for the city.
- Humidity Levels: Fluctuating between 39% and 100%, contributing to the uncomfortable weather conditions.
Conclusion and Recommendations
With the yellow alert in place and forecasts predicting continued rain, residents of Delhi-NCR should remain vigilant. It’s crucial to stay updated with weather forecasts and heed any travel advisories issued by local authorities. For those navigating through waterlogged areas, caution is advised to avoid potential accidents and delays.
By taking necessary precautions and planning travel routes accordingly, residents can better manage the impact of this heavy rainfall and ensure their safety throughout the ongoing weather event.