In an unprecedented meteorological event, Delhi recorded 41.2 mm of rainfall in a single day on December 27, 2024, marking the highest single-day December rainfall in 101 years. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that the previous record of 75.7 mm was set on December 3, 1923. This heavy downpour has not only rewritten the weather books but also brought with it a medley of consequences for the residents of the capital city.
Rainfall Records Shattered
The remarkable rainfall figure was measured over a 24-hour period ending at 8:30 am on Saturday. December, typically considered one of the driest months of the year for Delhi, saw this unexpected deluge due to a strong western disturbance. The IMD attributes this weather phenomenon to the interaction of the western disturbance with moisture-laden easterly winds.
The total rainfall for December 2024 so far has reached 42.8 mm, the highest for the month in 27 years. This unexpected precipitation exceeded the average monthly rainfall of 9.4 mm for December many times over.
Temperature Plunges and Air Quality Improves
The rainfall led to a significant drop in Delhi’s temperature, with the mercury settling at a chilly 13°C—several degrees below the December average. While the sudden cold wave prompted residents to bundle up, it also brought much-needed relief to the city’s air quality. Delhi, often choking under hazardous levels of pollution in the winter months, witnessed a marked improvement as the rainfall cleared out particulate matter from the atmosphere.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) across various monitoring stations in the city dropped from “very poor” to “satisfactory,” a welcome respite for the city’s nearly 20 million residents.
Impact on Daily Life
While the rainfall brought environmental benefits, it also caused widespread disruption. Traffic snarls were reported across major thoroughfares, with waterlogging in areas like ITO, Lajpat Nagar, and Connaught Place. Commuters faced hours-long delays as roads turned into temporary rivers. Public transport, including buses and the Delhi Metro, struggled to cope with the influx of stranded passengers.
The situation took a dramatic turn in RK Puram’s Sector-9, where a portion of the road caved in due to the rain. A car and a motorcycle fell into the resulting sinkhole, although no casualties were reported. Authorities swiftly cordoned off the area and initiated repair work.
Economic Ramifications
The rain also disrupted business activities, especially in outdoor markets like Sarojini Nagar, Chandni Chowk, and Lajpat Nagar. Vendors struggled to protect their merchandise, and foot traffic dropped significantly. E-commerce delivery services reported delays due to waterlogged streets and unsafe driving conditions.
In the agricultural belt around Delhi, the rainfall was both a boon and a bane. While farmers welcomed the moisture for wheat and mustard crops, standing water in low-lying fields raised concerns about potential crop damage.
Warnings and Preparedness
The IMD had issued a “yellow alert” ahead of the rainfall, forecasting light to moderate rain with thunderstorms. While some citizens appreciated the timely warning, others criticized the lack of on-ground preparedness. Overflowing drains and poorly maintained roads added to the chaos, prompting calls for better urban infrastructure to handle extreme weather events.
Delhi’s Municipal Corporation and state government officials have assured residents that efforts are underway to clear waterlogged areas and repair damaged infrastructure. However, the episode has reignited debates about the city’s ability to adapt to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, which many experts link to climate change.
Looking Ahead
With December not yet over, meteorologists are keeping a close eye on weather patterns. Although no significant rainfall is expected in the coming days, the recent events serve as a reminder of nature’s unpredictability.
For Delhiites, this historic rainfall brought a mix of relief and challenges. The improved air quality and respite from pollution were silver linings, but the disruptions underscored the need for better planning and resilience in the face of climate anomalies.
As Delhi’s skies clear, the city is left pondering a question: Is this a one-off event, or a harbinger of more such extremes in the years to come? Only time—and careful study—will provide the answers.
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