New Delhi: The national capital’s southwest monsoon drew to a close on Wednesday, leaving the city a day earlier than usual and marking its earliest retreat since 2002. The season, which arrived on June 29, spanned 88 days, making it the ninth shortest monsoon period recorded in the capital since 2001. The brief duration, however, did little to dampen the city’s overall rainfall, which proved well above average.
During the season, rain was recorded on 63 of the 88 days, accounting for roughly 71 per cent of the monsoon period, the fourth highest proportion observed in more than two decades. At Safdarjung, the official meteorological station, total rainfall reached 902.6mm, nearly 41 per cent above the long-term average of 640.4mm.
Across Delhi’s various districts, the average stood at 736.2mm, a 37 per cent surplus over the typical 536.3mm.
August witnessed heaviest rains in 15 years
The city experienced a series of unusually wet months. May brought a record 186.4mm of rain, over six times the normal 30.7mm. Rainfall in June exceeded its long-period average by 45 per cent, while July and August brought 259.3mm and 400.1mm respectively, with August recording the heaviest rainfall in 15 years. September also remained above average, with 136.1mm against a typical 123.5mm.
Three days in particular stood out for heavy downpours; July 29(68.1mm), August 9 (79mm), and August 15 (79.4mm). The consistent showers were attributed to the monsoon trough lingering near Delhi, which favoured frequent light to moderate rainfall over isolated heavy bursts.
Central Delhi witnesses highest rainfall
Among the city’s districts, Central Delhi received the highest rainfall at nearly 950mm, while South Delhi recorded the lowest at 550.3mm, still close to seasonal norms. Notably, no district experienced a deficit during the monsoon.
With the monsoon’s withdrawal, dry northwesterly winds have returned, prompting a rise in daytime temperatures. On Wednesday, the maximum hit 35.4 degrees Celsius, slightly above the seasonal average, and forecasts suggest highs of 35-37 degrees Celsisu through the weekend. Night-time temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius.