Heavy Rains Lash Delhi: What’s Behind The Unseasonal Rainfall in The National Capital Region Local Verandah

Since the beginning of 2023, Delhi and the national capital region (NCR) have been witnessing heavy rainfalls along with severe thunderstorms and powerful winds.

On Thursday (May 17), heavy rains lashed Delhi, accompanied by lightening in various parts of the NCR and its neighbouring zone. The bliss bought a break from the humid weather and the city finally got rid of dust storm faced by Delhiites since the past few days. Delhiites also spotted cloudy blue skies and soothing winds.

According to the latest published report by India Meteorological Department(IMD), Delhi will experience more rainy days, and there will be no relief in the near future.

The IMD said in a statement: Thunder squall with moderate intensity rain and gusty winds with speed of 50-70 km/h would occur over and adjoining areas of NCR (Loni Dehat, Hindon AF Station, Ghaziabad, Indirapuram, Chhapraula, Noida, Greater Noida, Faridabad, Ballabhgarh), Palwal, Nuh (Haryana).”

Delhi has witnessed unseasonal rains in May, making it the coldest May in 13 years.

But what is the actual reason behind unseasonal rains flogging the NCR?

The India Meteorological Department says the cause for unusual rainfall in May is Western disturbances, cyclonic storms that form over land, resulting in a low-pressure system which causes rainfall. They originate in the Mediterranean region.

The official also revealed how these disturbances are affecting the weather. “There is enough moisture available in northwest India due to the western disturbance, and the temperatures have also risen over the last few days”, said Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the IMD’s regional forecasting centre in Delhi,

“So, the conditions are conducive for such activity,” he added.

The regulatory body has released an advisory for public welfare to avoid rain-related mishaps, stating there could be time-consuming traffic jams and slippery roads due to heavy rainfall. Local markets and regular outdoor business can also suffer losses; there could be damage to weak buildings, kutcha houses, and Jhopdis.

The weather department has also educated the locals to not lie on concrete floors and not stand or lean against concrete walls, to unplug electrical/ electronic appliances carefully, and to get out of water bodies immediately for a safer outlook.

However, there are positives of unseasonal rains in Delhi-NCR. No matter what, It is also worth bearing in mind that northern India has observed higher-than-usual temperatures during the month February and early March in 2023.

The rainfall has given a respite to people living in national capital region who were bogged down by the scorching weather. Delhiites couldn’t keep calm and twitter was flooded with tweets praising the ‘AWESOME MAUSAM’

A witty user tweeted, “ Crazy electric show over Delhi”