Multiple spells of rain expected in Delhi on Friday, IMD issues yellow alert

Delhi to Face Multiple Rain Spells on Friday, IMD Issues Yellow Alert

Multiple spells of rain expected in Delhi – Delhi is set to experience multiple spells of rain on Friday, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a yellow alert. This warning signals that the city could see significant weather disruptions throughout the day, with rain events expected to continue after the initial downpours. The recent rainfall has already contributed to over half of Delhi’s monthly precipitation in just 2.25 days, highlighting the intensity of the weather pattern. Residents are advised to stay prepared for potential flooding and traffic disruptions, as the IMD forecasts continued rain activity across key urban and suburban zones.

Impact on Air Quality and Public Health

As multiple spells of rain are anticipated, Delhi’s air quality is expected to improve further. The city recorded an AQI of 55 at 10:05 am on Friday, marking a notable rise from Thursday’s 48 (good), which was the cleanest air level in nearly three years. The previous “good” day was observed on September 10, 2023, and the recent showers are likely to help reduce pollutants in the atmosphere. Public health officials note that cleaner air during these periods can offer relief to respiratory conditions, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.

Rainfall Patterns Across Key Urban Zones

Delhi’s rainfall distribution reveals varying intensity across different regions. Mayur Vihar recorded the highest rain accumulation of 43mm between Thursday morning and Friday morning, while Lodi Road, Safdarjung, and Ridge experienced 33.7mm, 33.6mm, and 25.9mm, respectively. Other areas like Pusa, Palam, Ayanagar, and Jafarpur saw light rains ranging from 1mm to 4.5mm during the same period. This distribution underscores the localized nature of the rainfall, with some neighborhoods facing heavier downpours than others. The IMD’s data suggests that multiple spells of rain will continue to influence Delhi’s weather dynamics this week.

Monsoon Trough Shifts and Weather Trends

The IMD attributes the current rainfall pattern to shifts in the monsoon trough, which has retreated from Delhi’s region after a prolonged absence. This movement has led to lighter showers earlier in the week, followed by intense downpours on Wednesday and Thursday. The department classifies rainfall up to 15.5mm as light, 15.6mm to 64.4mm as moderate, 64.5mm to 115.5mm as heavy, and over 115.6mm as very heavy. Delhi has already surpassed half its typical July rainfall total of 209.7mm, with 137.72mm logged so far. The monsoon trough’s northward shift is expected to moderate the intensity of multiple spells of rain in the coming days.

Heavy Showers and Associated Risks

Heavy showers on Wednesday and Thursday have triggered several challenges, including severe waterlogging and traffic congestion. According to Ashwary Tiwari, founder of independent weather group IndiaMetSky, the recent increase in rainfall was driven by a well-marked low-pressure system over central India.

“The monsoon trough’s movement has led to a concentration of rain in certain areas, but the trend indicates that multiple spells of rain will continue to influence Delhi’s climate this week,”

Tiwari explained. The heavy downpours also resulted in at least four fatalities in the Delhi-National Capital Region, raising concerns about the city’s preparedness for extreme weather events.

Monsoon Coverage Delay and Regional Implications

The monsoon spread across the entire country on Thursday, though this marked the latest full coverage since 2021. The delayed monsoon has had widespread effects, including infrastructure damage, road flooding, and landslides in several states. In Delhi, the delayed arrival of the monsoon has been offset by intense rainfall events, with multiple spells of rain contributing to the city’s current weather conditions. The IMD’s forecast suggests that the monsoon trough will move north of its normal position, toward the foothills of Himachal Pradesh, potentially easing the frequency of multiple spells of rain in the coming weeks.