Delhi records highest-ever May rain as heavy downpour lashes city

Delhi has noted its all-time highest rainfall for May, with 186.4 mm recorded by May 25 this year. The record was broken after the city experienced 81.4 mm of rain early Sunday.

This exceeds the former record of 165 mm set in May 2008. Additional rainfall figures for May include 144.8 mm in 2021, 129.3 mm in 2002, and 111 mm in 2023. The long-term average precipitation for May in Delhi is only 30.7 mm. Significantly, torrential rain coupled with strong winds and thunderstorms hit Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) soon after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced a red alert for the area.

According to the most recent data, Safdarjung recorded 81 mm of rainfall, while Pusa had 71 mm, Palam received 68 mm, and Mayur Vihar got 48 mm.

The storm that hit between 1:15 AM and 2:30 AM on May 25, produced wind speeds reaching 100 km/h and led to extensive waterlogging and traffic interruptions throughout various areas of the city.

Several roads and underpasses experienced flooding in the early morning. Over 200 flights experienced delays or were impacted by the severe weather conditions. Numerous videos and images appeared online depicting a vehicle immersed on Minto Road and significant water accumulation in locations such as Delhi Cantt, Dhaula Kuan, and near the airport.

The rain caused a significant drop in temperatures, providing essential respite from the heat. Safdarjung recorded a decrease in temperatures from 31 degrees Celsius to 21 degrees Celsius, Palam from 29.0 degrees Celsius down to 22 degrees Celsius, Pusa from 31.8 degrees Celsius to 20.5 degrees Celsius, Pragati Maidan from 31.4 degrees Celsius to 21.3 degrees Celsius, and Lodhi Road from 31 degrees Celsius to 22.3 degrees Celsius.