Delhi Witnesses Wettest January in Four Years with Significant Rainfall
New Delhi recorded 4.2 mm of rainfall on Tuesday, contributing to a monthly total of 25.3 mm, marking this January as the wettest in four years. While more rain is unlikely between Wednesday and Saturday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast another spell of precipitation for February 1.
Detailed Rainfall Patterns and Historical Context
The city's base station at Safdarjung received 4.2 mm of rain from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, influenced by a western disturbance. In contrast, Palam and Ridge in north Delhi recorded higher amounts of 14.6 mm and 14.4 mm, respectively. Parts of Noida experienced a brief hailstorm in the evening, following thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds in the afternoon.
Delhi has already recorded 32.4% excess rainfall this month, with an earlier spell occurring last Friday and Saturday. Comparing historical data:
- Previous January logged 8.3 mm of rainfall.
- January 2024 witnessed just 'trace' rainfall.
- January 2023 and 2022 received 20.4 mm and 88.2 mm, respectively.
- The all-time high rainfall in January was 173.2 mm in 1885.
Temperature Fluctuations and Upcoming Weather Forecast
The rain and cloud cover on Tuesday brought down Delhi's maximum temperature to 16.9 degrees Celsius, which is five notches below normal. However, the minimum temperature rose to 8°C from 4.2°C on Monday. Over the next two days, the day temperature is expected to stay between 17°C and 19°C, with the minimum around 11 to 13°C on Wednesday. It may dip to around 5 to 7°C on Saturday but could rise again to 12 to 14°C by next Monday.
Another western disturbance is anticipated to impact the region from the night of January 31. This may lead to one or two spells of light rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of up to 40 kmph on February 1, according to an IMD official.
Air Quality Index (AQI) Trends and Predictions
The air quality in Delhi worsened to very poor on Tuesday. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the city's 4 pm air quality index (AQI), considered the day's standard reading, stood at 336, higher than the 241 recorded a day earlier.
However, the Air Quality Early Warning System, which functions under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, expects the AQI to improve to poor on Wednesday as a result of Tuesday's rain. It is likely to remain within that bracket on Thursday before worsening again to very poor on Friday. The air quality is projected to hover between these two ranges in the subsequent six days.
