Sudden Rainfall Provides Relief From Delhi’s Sweltering Heat

Sudden rainfall accompanied by strong winds swept through several parts of the national capital on Wednesday night, offering much-needed relief from the intense heat.

The downpour brought down temperatures that had soared to 44 degrees Celsius at Safdarjung and 44.3 degrees Celsius at the Ridge on June 5, according to IMD records.

As the monsoon approaches, Delhi’s Urban Development and Irrigation and Flood Control Minister, Saurabh Bharadwaj, penned a letter to the Chief Secretary, requesting the status of drain desilting within seven days. He directed the Chief Secretary to provide the required information by the evening of June 6, to facilitate department meetings and further directives.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had previously forecasted light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms over several parts of the country, starting from 6:30 pm on Wednesday. The prediction proved accurate, with light to moderate rainfall reported in various regions, breaking the grip of a fierce heatwave.

Several areas of Guwahati witnessed waterlogging following rainfall on Wednesday, while Kullu and Manali in Himachal Pradesh also experienced rain showers. Chennai city saw heavy rain, and Hubbali in Karnataka witnessed light rain showers.

Heavy pre-monsoon rains drenched several parts of Mumbai, including Dadar, Chembur, Kandiwali, Goregaon, and Borivali, on Wednesday morning. This rainfall brought significant relief from the heat for the city’s residents.

According to data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Dadar and Kandivali received approximately 4 millimeters of rainfall.

A Mumbai resident, Rahul, expressed, “Although there is a problem of waterlogging, which may worsen with continuous rains, these showers have provided major relief from the heat. It feels good.”

This year, the Monsoon onset arrived two days earlier than the usual date of June 1. Kerala experienced widespread pre-monsoon rains this year.

In 2023, rainfall across the country during the monsoon season (June-September) amounted to 94 per cent of its long-period average.