New Delhi: A spell of rain lashed several parts of the national capital on Tuesday, bringing relief from the recent spell of hot and dry weather. Among the areas that witnessed the early morning showers was the prominent North Block zone, home to key administrative buildings, including the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Home Affairs.
The sudden change in weather brought down the temperature in the city by several degrees, offering a brief respite to residents from the summer heat. The downpour, though moderate, was enough to cool the surroundings and improve air quality, which had shown signs of deterioration over the past week.
Visuals from North Block and its surroundings showed wet roads, cloudy skies, and government employees walking under umbrellas as they made their way to work. Security personnel and traffic police were seen managing congestion as rainwater collected at some key intersections. While no major waterlogging was reported in central Delhi, a few low-lying areas experienced minor pooling of water, which was cleared swiftly by municipal authorities.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi is likely to receive more light to moderate rainfall in isolated parts of the city over the next 24 to 48 hours. The showers are attributed to a western disturbance active over the northern parts of India, combined with moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea.
The IMD also stated that the rain would help settle dust particles, improving the city's air quality index (AQI), which had recently been in the ‘moderate’ to ‘poor’ category. On Tuesday morning, following the rain, AQI levels in central Delhi improved to ‘satisfactory’ levels, as per reports from the Central Pollution Control Board.
Commuters across the city experienced slight delays due to slower traffic movement and reduced visibility in some areas. Metro services remained unaffected, though minor delays were reported on certain routes due to increased passenger load during the rainy morning hours.
Many residents welcomed the rain, expressing relief over the drop in temperature. "It was getting extremely hot and dusty. This rain was a welcome change. The weather is pleasant now," said Ramesh Kumar, a government employee who works in the Central Secretariat.
Meanwhile, municipal agencies, including the Public Works Department and the Delhi Traffic Police, have been put on alert to manage water drainage and traffic control in the event of continued rainfall. Citizens have been advised to check traffic advisories and weather updates before stepping out.
This timely rain has not only refreshed the city but also reminded residents of the approaching monsoon season, which is expected to reach Delhi in late June. Until then, intermittent showers like these are likely to provide occasional relief from the rising summer heat.
