Following an intense heatwave, Delhi faces severe water-logging and disruption after receiving record-breaking rainfall. Climate experts link the extreme weather patterns to climate change, underlining the urgent need for resilient infrastructure.
Record Rainfall Causes Chaos in Delhi after Extreme Heatwave
New Delhi, June 28, 2024 – Residents of Delhi, who recently experienced one of the most extreme heatwaves on record with temperatures nearing 50°C, are now facing severe water-logging due to record-breaking rainfall. The Indian capital received 228.1mm of rain within 24 hours at its main Safdarjung weather station, a 266% departure from normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The heavy rainfall caused significant disruptions including a fatal collapse of an airport roof, flight cancellations, metro station closures, blocked underpasses, and extensive traffic jams. The deluge surpassed the city’s average for the entire month of June in just 24 hours.
The severe weather turnaround is attributed to stalled monsoon progress, which led to the heatwaves. Sudden thunderstorms last week pushed the monsoon clouds back on track, indicating that the monsoon will cover the entire country on time.
IMD officials and climate experts link these extreme weather patterns to climate change, which increases atmospheric water vapor, potentially leading to heavier rains in a shorter period. The city’s infrastructure and residents are significantly impacted by these skewed weather patterns, highlighting the need for better climate-proof infrastructure.
