August in Delhi Experiences Unusual Coolness with a Record-Breaking Low of 26.4°C, Occupying the Sixth Lowest Maximum Temperature Spots for the Month
Historic Low Temperature and Heavy Flooding Hit Delhi
Delhi witnessed a historically cool day on August 9, 2025, with the city recording its lowest maximum temperature for August in 14 years. The unusually low temperature of 26.4°C was primarily due to relentless heavy rainfall and overcast skies, marking a significant departure from the usual August maxima.
The intense downpour, starting around midnight on August 8 and continuing through the day, brought significant rain to the city. Safdarjung station logged 78.7 mm of rain in 24 hours, with other areas like Pragati Maidan recording up to 100 mm. The persistent showers caused a marked drop in mercury levels, suppressing solar heating and maintaining cooler ambient conditions throughout the day.
The impacts of this extreme weather were far-reaching. Waterlogging was reported in multiple parts of Delhi, causing heavy traffic jams in key areas such as Ring Road, Anand Parbat, New Rohtak Road, and others. Road hazards increased due to uprooted trees and potholes. Severe traffic delays were experienced at intersections like Pragati Maidan Tunnel, Dhaula Kuan, ITO, and Zakhira Underpass was temporarily blocked due to flooding.
To control the traffic commotion, detours were put in place at Ram Bagh Road, Azad Market Railway Underpass, and other flooded areas. The Delhi Traffic Police issued cautions, urging commuters to avoid the impacted areas and use the Metro instead. The Public Works Department sent out quick-response teams equipped with pumps to remove the water.
The heavy rainfall caused widespread waterlogging, affecting major roadways including Mathura Road, Anand Parbat, New Rohtak Road, Zakhira Railway Underpass, and Ring Road. Residential complexes were transformed into virtual swimming pools due to the heavy rainstorm. Areas like Jahangirpuri, Adarsh Nagar, Panchkuian Marg, RK Puram, Moti Bagh, and the vicinity of New Delhi Railway Station were heavily congested due to flooded roads.
This event underscored the need for improved infrastructure resilience and drainage systems to address urban floods in Delhi. The persistent challenges with infrastructure resilience and urban floods were highlighted by the combination of chilly weather and heavy rains. Calls for better drainage systems and readiness for extreme weather events were made in response to the city's challenges.
Flight disruptions were also reported with more than 180 flights delayed and 4 cancelled due to poor weather conditions affecting visibility and operations at Delhi airport. The city of Delhi faces persistent challenges with infrastructure resilience and urban floods, as highlighted by the recent heavy rainstorm.
[1] The Indian Express [2] The Times of India [3] Hindustan Times [4] NDTV [5] Weather.com
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