NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday declared onset of monsoon in Delhi as heavy rainfall lashed several parts of the city and its neighbouring areas.
"Southwest monsoon has further advanced into entire Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmiri, some parts of Rajasthan, entire Delhi, some parts of Punjab and Haryana today," tweeted IMD.
The morning showers brought down the temperature slightly, giving Delhiites respite from sweltering heat.
Waterlogging was reported near Pragati Maidan, Delhi-Meerut Expressway near Vinod Nagar, Pul Prahaladpur underpass, IP Estate in front of WHO building, under Zakhira flyover, Jahangirpuri Metro station, Loni Road roundabout and Azadpur market underpass.
Waterlogging in Delhi
The national capital received rainfall in parts of south Delhi area like east Kailash, Burari in northwest among others places, Shahdara, Patparganj in east Delhi and ITO crossing and India Gate in central Delhi.
Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad too received moderate to heavy rainfall.
The air quality index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded in 'moderate' (155) category around 9.30am on Thursday, data from CPCB showed.
Traffic snarls in several parts of citySeveral parts of Delhi like ITO, Barapullah, Ring Road and the capital borders, specially Delhi-Noida border, Chilla Border, UP Gate, Delhi-Gurugram road experienced heavy traffic as rains lashed the national capital.
Following heavy rainfall in parts of city and IMD forecast, Delhi Traffic Police on Thursday issued advisory for road commuters.
"As per IMD report, 'thunderstorm with light to moderate intensity rain and gusty winds' would occur over and adjoining areas of entire Delhi. Commuters are advised to plan their journey accordingly," tweeted Delhi Traffic Police.
IMD's weather forecast Earlier, the weather department had predicted moderate to heavy rainfall for Thursday.
“There is a possibility of moderate to heavy rainfall on Thursday, which will bring down the maximum daytime temperature to 37 degrees Celsius. It may drop to 35 degrees depending upon the intensity of rainfall, which will vary across the city,” said RK Jenamani, senior weather scientist, IMD.
“There is a high possibility of moderate to heavy rainfall (30mm to 64mm) on June 30 and July 1. We will observe the pattern and timing and based on that, the arrival of monsoon could be declared,” he added.
The city on Wednesday witnessed high maximum temperature and humidity, which kept the outdoors unpleasant.
(With inputs from PTI)