Rain gods bring smiles; light showers to continue across Delhi-NCR this week

NEW DELHI: Heavy rain lashed Delhi and the NCR on Tuesday with monsoon remained active as it passes through its normal position over north and central. The Safdarjung observatory, the recording of which is considered official for the city, received 12.6 mm rainfall till 8.30 am. The Palam Observatory received 38.5 mm rainfall. Humidity was recorded at 97 per cent. On Monday, the national capital recorded a low of 27.2 degrees Celsius and a high of 37.4 degrees Celsius.

Delhi has recorded just 1.2 mm of rain against the 30-year average of 49.3 mm — a shortfall of 98 per cent — in August so far. The city gauged 199.2 mm rains in July, which is five per cent less than the long-term average of 210.6 mm. Forecaster Skymet Weather's Vice President Mahesh Palawat said that the monsoon turf has moved to North India and the weather will continue to remain the same till Wednesday, following which it will move to South India. "The rains will be back in the national capital from August 12 onwards," he added.

The regional met centre forecasts moderate to light rains across Delhi-NCR this week with heavy rains at isolated places. The cloudy skies and the humid conditions are likely to induce warmer than actual 'feel-like' conditions in the capital, especially during the night time. The strong winds forecast during the day time may provide some respite. "Further, by August 7, the axis of Monsoon Trough will once again shift southwards due to the formation of a Low-Pressure Area that would be travelling to the central parts of the country. Due to this movement, the weather of Delhi and NCR area will once again

go dry, however, isolated pockets may continue to get rain. Another spell of rain is expected around August 11 or 12" observed the Skymet weather forecaster.