Sudden rain accompanied by strong winds lashed several parts of the national capital on Wednesday night providing much-needed relief from the intense heat. The rain brought down temperatures that had soared to 44 degrees Celsius at Safdarjung and 44.3 degrees Celsius at the Ridge on June 5, as recorded by IMD.
Meanwhile, as the monsoon is approaching, Delhi Urban Development and Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj wrote a letter to the Chief Secretary seeking the status of the desilting of various drains within 7 days.
The Urban Development Minister further has directed the CS to submit the desired information solicited by 6 June evening so that all Departments’ meetings can be convened and departments can be given further directions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier predicted light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms over several parts of the country, starting from 6:30 pm on Wednesday.
The forecast proved accurate as light to moderate rainfall was reported in various regions, breaking a fierce heatwave that had gripped much of the country.
Several parts of Guwahati reported waterlogging after the city received rainfall on Wednesday. Rain also lashed parts of Kullu and Manali in Himachal Pradesh. Chennai city also received heavy rain, while Hubbali in Karnataka saw light rain showers.
Meanwhile, the heavy pre-monsoon rains lashed several areas of Mumbai such as Dadar, Chembur, Kandiwali, Goregaon, Borivali, etc. on Wednesday morning. The arrival of pre-monsoon rains has provided a significant respite from the heat for the people of the city.
According to data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the Dadar and Kandivali areas of the city have received approximately 4 millimetres of rainfall.
Speaking with ANI, one of the residents of the city, Rahul, conveyed, “Although, there is a problem of waterlogging, which will further intensify after the continuous rains, these rains have brought a major relief from the heat. It feels good.”
This year’s Monsoon onset is two days earlier as the usual date of the onset is on June 1. This year, Kerala experienced widespread pre-monsoon rains. In 2023, rainfall over the country as a whole during the monsoon season (June-September), was 94 per cent of its long-period average. (ANI)