You may have already heard about Delhiites experiencing exceptionally heavy rains over the past few weeks. A new India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast predicts rains as well as another type of precipitation in the coming days. Any guesses?
National weather office IMD has predicted hail in the Delhi-NCR from October 5 to October 7, citing Western disturbance — a geographical phenomenon that causes extreme weather conditions including winter rainfall and snow in the northwestern parts of the country.
And this weather prediction comes as the country prepares for a busy festive season that typically commences in October and stretches to February through the New Year. These months see additional traffic in marketplaces and tourist destinations as people line up their annual family vacations amidst festivities — the season also sees a surge in traditional weddings and related events.
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Western disturbance can cause colder than usual weather in Delhi, neighbouring areas
According to the IMD, ‘heavy’ to ‘very heavy’ rains can be expected in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and the hilly northern states, with a peak intensity predicted on October 6. The agency considers rainfall intensities to the tune of 64.5 mm-115.5 mm and 115.6 mm-204.4 mm in 24 hours as ‘heavy’ and ‘very heavy’, respectively.
The national capital may see light rains on October 5 followed by heavier spells with gusty winds up to 50 kmph till October 7, a period during which temperatures can dip significantly as cold northwesterlies set in, according to the weather forecaster.
When can you expect temperatures to drop in the national capital and adjoining regions?
A drop in temperature can be experienced from the second week of October, much before the onset of a gradual winter.
“We will see a dip in nighttime temperature soon after this western disturbance departs, as cold northwesterly winds will start blowing from the hills towards the plains,” said an official.
Rains and hail predicted in Delhi weeks after notably high monsoon rainfall
In September, some parts of the national capital recorded about 10 per cent higher-than-normal rainfall, which was after the wettest August since 2010 where precipitation stood 72 per cent above normal. These conditions contributed to an overall above-average monsoon season in Delhi-NCR.
All in all, seasonal rainfall in the national capital crossed the 1,000 mm mark by early September, surpassing the typical annual average of 774 mm.
Many parts of the region faced flooding and waterlogging with forecasters citing monsoon troughs and western disturbances for active rain systems.Â
Delhi Metro travel has become costlier
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