Rain lashed several parts of Delhi on Thursday, slowing traffic during peak hours and causing snarls at key intersections and arterial roads, while the capital's air quality slipped into the ‘moderate’ category after remaining ‘satisfactory’ for more than 12 days. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Ridge station received the highest rainfall of 26.2 mm between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm. Safdarjung recorded 20.2 mm, Palam 12.6 mm and Lodi Road 6.4 mm. Ayanagar received no rainfall during the period.
Heavy traffic was reported around ITO and Bharat Mandapam, while congestion was also witnessed on the Geeta Colony-Shakarpur side and along the Sarai Kale Khan corridor. Several roads connecting central and east Delhi saw slow-moving traffic, particularly on stretches affected by waterlogging. Long queues were reported on routes connecting ITO with east Delhi, while traffic remained heavy around the Geeta Colony bridge and Sarai Kale Khan. The rain coincided with existing traffic restrictions in central Delhi, adding to delays for commuters.
Traffic movement around the Red Fort was restricted on Thursday morning because of the full-dress rehearsal for Independence Day celebrations.
Roads surrounding the Red Fort were closed to general traffic between 4 am and 10 am as part of security arrangements.
The Delhi Traffic Police had issued an advisory asking commuters to avoid restricted stretches and use alternative routes.
The combination of diversions, morning restrictions and subsequent rainfall put additional pressure on several important routes through central and east Delhi.
Despite the rainfall, temperatures remained above normal at several weather stations.
Ayanagar recorded the highest maximum temperature at 36 degrees Celsius, 1.8 degrees above normal. Lodi Road recorded 35.6 degrees Celsius, 2.6 degrees above normal, while Palam registered 35.4 degrees Celsius, one degree above normal.
Safdarjung recorded a maximum of 35.2 degrees Celsius, one degree above normal, while the Ridge recorded 34.9 degrees Celsius, 1.1 degrees above normal.
Safdarjung recorded the highest minimum temperature at 28 degrees Celsius, one degree above normal.
Ayanagar recorded a minimum of 27.5 degrees Celsius and Lodi Road 27.4 degrees Celsius, both 1.4 degrees above normal.
In contrast, Palam's minimum settled at 25.9 degrees Celsius, 0.8 degrees below normal, while the Ridge recorded 24.5 degrees Celsius, 1.4 degrees below normal.
Delhi's air quality also deteriorated marginally on Thursday after remaining in the ‘satisfactory’ category for several consecutive days.
The capital recorded a 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 105, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. It was Delhi's first ‘moderate’ air quality day in more than 12 days.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between zero and 50 is classified as ‘good’, 51-100 as ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 as ‘moderate’, 201-300 as ‘poor’, 301-400 as ‘very poor’ and 401-500 as ‘severe’.
Thursday thus brought a mix of rain, traffic congestion and slightly deteriorating air quality to the capital, with commuters bearing the brunt of weather-related disruptions alongside Independence Day traffic restrictions.