New Delhi: Delhi experienced 41.2 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours (up to 8:30 am Saturday), marking the highest single-day December rainfall in 101 years, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The previous record was 75.7 mm on December 3, 1923. This year’s rainfall also makes December 2024 the fifth-highest in monthly December rainfall since 1901.
The downpour significantly improved air quality in the capital. The Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped to 179 (moderate category) on Saturday morning, a notable improvement from ‘severe’ levels earlier in the week, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.
Delhi recorded a temperature of 13.8°C at 5:30 am, with a predicted dip to 12°C. The maximum temperature is expected to reach 20.98°C. Relative humidity was at 74%, with wind gusts of up to 74 km/h.
The rainy weather brought an overcast sky and a pleasant chill, prompting residents to gather around bonfires. Sunrise was at 7:12 am, and sunset is expected at 5:32 pm.
