Weather Advisory Issued Following Morning Rains in Delhi-NCR on Independence Day Celebration
Delhi Experiences Record Rainfall Amidst Climate Change-Induced Monsoon Variability
Delhi, India's national capital, is currently experiencing an unprecedented increase in annual rainfall, a trend primarily driven by climate change-induced variability in monsoon patterns and increased extreme precipitation events.
This year, Delhi has surpassed its monthly average and annual rainfall totals, a feat not achieved in four years. As of current, August 2022 has surpassed the monthly normal rainfall mark for Delhi, with a total of 255.8 mm. The city has also crossed its annual rainfall mark faster this year than in 2021, achieving this on August 1.
The wet weekend forecast for Delhi includes spells of light rain predicted for both Saturday and Sunday. On Independence Day morning, showers were reported across the national Capital. In July, the city received 259.3 mm of rainfall, which was 24% more than the long-period average (LPA) of 209.7 mm. June saw even more rainfall, with 107.1 mm, an excess of 45% over the LPA of 74.1 mm. May 2022 was the wettest month on record in Delhi, with 186.4 mm of rainfall, over six times the normal average of 30.7 mm.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an 'orange' alert for moderate rain until 2 pm on Friday and a yellow alert for light rain at around 10 am, updating it to an orange alert at 11:21 am. The IMD also forecasts a spell of light rain in the city at night.
Climate change effects are causing more intense and uneven monsoon rainfall, with increased frequency of extreme rainfall events and flash floods. The regional warming trend and shifts from snowfall to rainfall in the broader Himalayan and upper Indus basin water systems contribute to changes in precipitation timing and volume. The complex interplay of upstream hydrological changes, including glacial melting and river flow modifications, affects downstream rainfall and flood patterns in northern India, including Delhi.
Future predictions for Delhi suggest that by the 2030s, annual rainfall may be slightly higher or similar but with increased variability, leading to more frequent floods in northern India. By 2050 and beyond, rainfall is expected to further increase across much of the country, including Delhi, which implies a need for improved water management and flood resilience strategies.
Urbanization may also exacerbate local rainfall runoff and flood risks, although this is more a consequence of increased rainfall impacts rather than a direct cause of rainfall increase.
In summary, the fastest recent rise in Delhi’s annual rainfall is linked to climate change effects on monsoon dynamics and Himalayan water systems, with projections indicating continued increases and enhanced flood risks in coming decades.
Over 350 flights were delayed due to rains and traffic jams in Delhi, although this event is not directly related to the rain event on August 14. Despite the challenges, the city's air quality improved, touching 72 (satisfactory) at 11 am and 90 (satisfactory) at 4 pm on Thursday.
Read also:
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Massive 8.8 earthquake hits off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting Japan to issue a tsunami alert.
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Independence supporters in New Caledonia refuse agreement offering authority without a vote on sovereignty
