Delhi rain cools daytime high to 28.3°C, but slows traffic at key underpasses

Safdarjung logged 15.9mm of rain on Thursday, pulling Delhi’s daytime high down to 28.3°C—4.9 degrees below normal and six degrees lower than Wednesday.

Waterlogging slowed traffic at the Zakhira and Ashram underpasses, the Inderlok-Azad Market underpass, Lajpat Nagar flyover and Munirka. Traffic was also affected near ITO, Ashram, Kalkaji Temple, Greater Kailash, Munirka, the Bhairon Marg underpass and Mathura Road.

College student Ananya Tripathi said her journey near Kalkaji Temple around noon took longer than usual as vehicles moved slowly through waterlogged stretches. Autorickshaw driver Munna Kumar reported congestion at the underpass between Azad Market and Inderlok.

Rainfall totals varied across the city. Ridge recorded 25.2mm, Lodhi Road 20mm, Palam 11.2mm and Ayanagar 7.2mm between 8.30am and 5.30pm, the IMD said. Delhi’s AQI improved to 149 on Thursday from 181 a day earlier, placing it in the moderate category.

Skymet Weather’s Mahesh Palawat attributed the showers to a western disturbance and two cyclonic circulations, and said their effect was expected to ease by Friday.