August in Delhi Experiences Unusual Chill, Record Low Maximum Temperature of 26.4°C, Ranking 6th Lowest for August.
Heavy Rainfall Causes Urban Disruptions and Record Low Temperatures in Delhi
Delhi experienced two instances of heavy rainfall on August 8, 1976, and August 9, 2021, resulting in exceptional low temperatures for August and significant urban disruptions.
The main cause of these weather phenomena was heavy, relentless rainfall. In 2021, heavy rainfall on Raksha Bandhan night led to a cooling effect, with the maximum temperature dropping to 26.4°C—the coolest August day in 34 years. Similarly, in 1976, the temperature plummeted to an all-time low of 25.3°C for August.
The intense rainfall saturated the city, leading to evaporative cooling and increased cloud cover, which further lowered temperatures.
The urban disruptions were severe, with traffic chaos being a major consequence. Key thoroughfares such as Ring Road, Anand Parbat, Pragati Maidan Tunnel, Dhaula Kuan, and others experienced massive jams.
Waterlogging was another significant issue, with multiple areas, including residential colonies and underpasses like Zakhira Railway Underpass and Defence Colony Underpass, flooding. This hampered everyday movement and damaged infrastructure.
The relentless rains also led to uprooted trees and exposed potholes, worsening traffic conditions and increasing the risk of accidents. Roads turned into "virtual swimming pools," highlighting the inadequacies of the drainage system in handling heavy loads of water.
Residential complexes were transformed into virtual swimming pools due to the rainstorm, but this information was not mentioned in the current paragraph. The Zakhira Underpass was temporarily blocked due to flooding, and detours were put in place at Ram Bagh Road, Azad Market Railway Underpass, and other flooded areas to control the commotion.
The Delhi Traffic Police issued cautions for commuters to avoid the impacted areas and take the Metro instead. Major roadways like Mathura Road, Anand Parbat, New Rohtak Road, Zakhira Railway Underpass, and Ring Road were flooded, causing severe traffic delays at intersections such as Pragati Maidan Tunnel, Dhaula Kuan, ITO, Sarai Kale Khan, and Zakhira Underpass.
At least 30 complaints about waterlogging were received by the Public Works Department, but this information was not mentioned in the current paragraph. The Public Works Department sent out quick-response teams equipped with pumps to remove the water and reopened an underpass close to Mathura Road after it had been closed for two hours, but this information was not mentioned in the current paragraph.
Safdarjung recorded 78.7 mm of rain in 24 hours, while Pragati Maidan recorded 100 mm. Lodhi Road, Pusa, and Palam also received significant amounts of rain.
In response to the city's challenges with infrastructure resilience and urban floods, calls for better drainage systems and readiness for extreme weather events have been made. The heavy rains and chilly weather in Delhi highlighted the city's persistent challenges with infrastructure resilience and urban floods.
- To address Delhi's persistent challenges with infrastructure resilience and urban floods, there could be courses or seminars offered on ESG reporting and sustainability, focusing on efficient weather-forecasting and urban drainage system improvement.
- As authorities in Delhi continue to grapple with urban disruptions caused by heavy rainfall, offering events or forums discussing the role of advanced weather-forecasting technology in managing extreme weather events might be beneficial.
- Additionally, incorporating environmental sustainability measures and drainage system upgrades in courses for city administrators and urban planners could help mitigate the impacts of heavy rainfall and prevent future urban disruptions.
- Lastly, in response to the record-breaking low temperatures and urban disruptions experienced during heavy rainfalls, local reporters should emphasize the importance of thorough ESG reporting in government entities, ensuring proper investment in infrastructure, and readiness for extreme weather events in their news and broadcasts.