Delhi experienced a cold and cloudy Saturday after receiving record-breaking rainfall for December. The city recorded 41.2 mm of rain in the last 24 hours, marking the highest single-day December rainfall in 101 years. This unusual weather kept daytime temperatures much lower than normal.
The heavy rains were caused by an active western disturbance combined with easterly winds, which also triggered thunderstorms across northwest and central India. This month’s rainfall is now the fifth-highest for December since 1901. At Safdarjung Observatory, the 24-hour rainfall was the second-highest ever recorded for December.
Interestingly, while daytime temperatures were cooler, the minimum temperature remained unusually high at 12.7°C, which is six degrees above the seasonal average.
The rain brought an unexpected benefit by significantly improving Delhi’s air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped to 135, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. This was a marked improvement from the previous day when the AQI was in the ‘very poor’ category.
Looking ahead, the city is expected to face dense fog on Sunday, with temperatures ranging between 9°C and 17°C. Residents are advised to prepare for reduced visibility during early morning hours and to drive cautiously.
While the rainfall caused some disruption, it has also provided relief from pollution and brought a refreshing change to the usual December weather. The city now waits to see if the unusual weather patterns will continue.
