Delhi Set to Break Record for Most Rainy Days in August Since 2011

Delhi is on the verge of recording its highest number of rainy days in a month since 2011, according to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). As of 8:30 am on Sunday, August 25, 2024, the city has already experienced 22 days of rainfall in August. This is set to surpass the previous record from August 2012, which also had 22 rainy days. With more rain expected before the month ends, August 2024 will likely set a new record.1

The Safdarjung weather station, considered representative of Delhi’s weather, recorded 0.6mm of rainfall on Sunday morning. Other weather stations in Delhi, such as Ayanagar, Palam, Delhi University, and the Ridge station, also recorded varying amounts of rainfall. However, no rainfall was recorded between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm, resulting in a partially cloudy day with high humidity.

IMD has issued a yellow alert for light to moderate rainfall, predicting scattered showers until the end of August. The monsoon trough is currently south of Delhi-NCR due to a depression over central India but is expected to move closer to Delhi by Tuesday, potentially bringing more rain.

This month, Delhi has already set a record for the most continuous rainy days in a month, with 18 days of rain since 2011. The city has also experienced 27 consecutive days of “satisfactory” air quality, the highest since September 2020.

As of August 25, Delhi has recorded 278.4mm of rainfall, surpassing the monthly average of 233.1mm. The last time the city received more rain in August was in 2013, with 321.4mm.

Delhi’s weather on Sunday saw a maximum temperature of 35.6°C, slightly above normal, and a minimum temperature of 25.4°C, slightly below normal. Relative humidity ranged between 63% and 95%, and the heat index reached 40°C. The wet bulb temperature, an indicator of thermal discomfort, was recorded at 28.5°C. Air quality returned to the “satisfactory” level on Sunday after reaching the “moderate” category on Saturday.

Mahesh Palawat, Vice President at Skymet Meteorology, explained that the monsoon trough has remained close to Delhi-NCR throughout August, resulting in consistent rainfall. He noted that while there have not been intense showers, the consistent rain has kept the city wet. Palawat predicts a decent spell of rainfall on August 27 and 28, with patchy rainfall continuing throughout the month.