Delhi Records Highest Single-Day December Rainfall in 101 Years: A Rare Weather Phenomenon
In a rare and unusual weather pattern, Delhi recorded its highest single-day December rainfall in 101 years, with the minimum temperature settling at 12.7 degree Celsius on Saturday, six notches above the season's average. This sudden and unexpected change in weather has brought relief to the city's residents, who have been battling with severe air pollution and dry spells throughout the year.
The rain, which started on Friday night and continued till Saturday morning, brought the city to a standstill, with waterlogged roads and traffic congestion being reported from various parts of the city. However, despite the chaos, Delhiites were seen enjoying the unexpected rain, with many taking to social media to share their experiences and photos of the rain-soaked city.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the Safdarjung Observatory, which is the official weather station for Delhi, recorded a whopping 41.5 mm of rainfall on Saturday, making it the highest single-day December rainfall in 101 years. The previous record was set in 1921, when the city received 35.6 mm of rainfall on December 14th.
The overnight rainfall in Madhya Pradesh also brought cheer to the residents of the state, with many areas receiving heavy to moderate rainfall. The IMD reported that the rainfall was caused by a western disturbance, which is a low-pressure system that forms over the Mediterranean region and moves eastwards, bringing rain and snow to the Indian subcontinent.
The rain has not only brought relief to the city's residents but also helped to clear the air, with the air quality index (AQI) dropping significantly after the rain. The AQI, which measures the level of pollutants in the air, had been hovering in the "severe" category for several days, but after the rain, it dropped to the "moderate" category, providing much-needed relief to the city's residents.
The minimum temperature in Delhi, which had been hovering around 6-7 degree Celsius for the past few days, also rose significantly after the rain, settling at 12.7 degree Celsius on Saturday. This is six notches above the season's average, and has brought a welcome respite to the city's residents, who had been shivering in the cold for the past few weeks.
The rain has also helped to fill up the city's water bodies, with the Delhi Jal Board reporting a significant increase in the water level of the city's lakes and reservoirs. This is good news for the city's residents, who have been facing a severe water crisis for several years. The increased water level will not only provide relief to the city's residents but also help to recharge the city's groundwater, which has been depleted over the years due to over-extraction.
The unusual weather pattern has also been attributed to climate change, which is causing extreme and unpredictable weather events around the world. The rise in global temperatures is causing melting of polar ice caps, leading to changes in weather patterns and extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall, droughts, and heatwaves.
In recent years, Delhi has experienced several extreme weather events, including severe heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall. The city's residents have been struggling to cope with these events, which have caused significant disruptions to their daily lives. The government has been taking steps to mitigate the effects of these events, including implementing measures to reduce air pollution and improve the city's water management systems.
In conclusion, the record-breaking rainfall in Delhi is a rare and unusual weather phenomenon that has brought relief to the city's residents. The rain has not only cleared the air and filled up the city's water bodies but has also provided a welcome respite to the city's residents, who have been battling with severe air pollution and dry spells throughout the year. However, the unusual weather pattern is also a reminder of the challenges posed by climate change, and the need for urgent action to mitigate its effects.
As the city's residents enjoy the unexpected rain, they must also be aware of the challenges that lie ahead. The government must take immediate action to address the city's water management systems, air pollution, and climate change mitigation strategies. The citizens must also play their part by adopting sustainable practices, reducing their carbon footprint, and supporting initiatives that aim to protect the environment.
The record-breaking rainfall in Delhi is a wake-up call for the city's residents, policymakers, and stakeholders to take immediate action to address the challenges posed by climate change. It is a reminder that we must work together to protect our environment, conserve our natural resources, and build a sustainable and resilient city for future generations.
What can be done to mitigate the effects of climate change in Delhi?
- Improve air quality: The government must take immediate action to reduce air pollution in the city, including implementing measures to reduce vehicular emissions, promoting the use of public transport, and increasing the use of clean energy sources.
- Enhance water management systems: The government must improve the city's water management systems, including increasing the storage capacity of lakes and reservoirs, reducing water wastage, and promoting water conservation practices.
- Promote sustainable practices: Citizens must adopt sustainable practices, including reducing their carbon footprint, using public transport, and supporting initiatives that aim to protect the environment.
- Support climate change mitigation strategies: The government must support climate change mitigation strategies, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting the use of renewable energy sources, and implementing measures to protect the city's natural resources.
- Increase public awareness: The government must increase public awareness about the challenges posed by climate change, and the need for urgent action to mitigate its effects.
By working together, we can build a sustainable and resilient city that is equipped to handle the challenges posed by climate change. The record-breaking rainfall in Delhi is a reminder that we must take immediate action to protect our environment, conserve our natural resources, and build a better future for ourselves and future generations.
