Janakpuri records 72.5mm rain as Delhi showers disrupt flights and traffic

Janakpuri received 72.5mm of rain on Monday, the highest recorded in Delhi during a day of showers that left roads waterlogged and disrupted traffic and flights.

Safdarjung, the city’s base weather station, logged 34.6mm between 8.30am and 5.30pm. Ayanagar received 69.1mm, Palam 58.2mm, Ridge 43.2mm and Lodhi Road 41.7mm; Mayur Vihar recorded 9.5mm. The India Meteorological Department said intense rain with thunderstorms and lightning fell between noon and 1pm.

At IGI Airport, 15 Delhi-bound flights were diverted. Flight-tracking data showed more than 400 delays through Monday.

The rain also pulled temperatures down: Safdarjung recorded 25.4°C at 2.30pm, below the morning minimum of 27.8°C. The day’s maximum was 32.3°C.

The IMD expects light to moderate rain across Delhi on Tuesday, with heavier spells possible in isolated areas. Maximum temperatures are forecast to rise to between 34°C and 36°C. Delhi’s air quality was in the ‘moderate’ category, with an AQI of 111.