New Delhi: Delhi is bracing for more wet days after recording its rainiest August in 14 years. With 72% excess rainfall last month, the city logged a total of 400.1 mm, making it the wettest August since 2010, according to a TOI report.
September is now expected to begin on an equally soggy note, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting more downpours in the coming days.
Delhi Weather: Yellow Alert Issued as September Begins
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Monday, predicting moderate showers across the city. Some neighbourhoods could see heavier spells as the monsoon trough interacts with a western disturbance. “Between September 1 and 3, Delhi-NCR can expect decent rain, with consistent light showers likely until September 7,” said Mahesh Palawat, vice-president at Skymet Weather.
Yamuna Level Drops Below Danger Mark
After breaching the danger level of 205.33 metres on 30 August, the Yamuna receded slightly to 205.12 metres by Sunday evening, still above the warning threshold of 204.5 metres. Authorities remain watchful as more rainfall upstream could alter the river’s course in the coming days.
A Year of Rain Records
Delhi has already logged 963.4 mm of rainfall this year, and more showers this month could push the total past the 1,000 mm milestone. The city had crossed its annual normal of 774.4 mm unusually early on 14 August – the fastest since 2021.
Rainfall has been consistently above normal since May:
- May: 186.4 mm (wettest ever, six times the average of 30.7 mm)
- June: 107.1 mm (45% excess over the LPA of 74.1 mm)
- July: 259.3 mm (24% above the LPA of 209.7 mm)
- August: 400.1 mm (72% above the LPA of 233.1 mm)
Cooler Days Thanks to Rain
August not only turned out wet but also cooler than usual. The city recorded rain on 22 out of 31 days, ensuring frequent cloud cover and pleasant winds. On Sunday, Delhi’s maximum temperature was 32.1 degrees Celsius, while the minimum was 24.5 degrees Celsius, two degrees below normal. The maximum for Monday is forecast to hover around 30 degrees Celsius.
IMD’s September Outlook
The IMD has projected above normal rainfall for northwest India, including Delhi, through September. The department also noted that average maximum temperatures are expected to remain normal to below normal across much of west-central, northwest and southern India.
With the monsoon set to withdraw around 25 September, Delhi residents may have to keep their umbrellas handy for several more weeks.