Heavy rain brings mercury levels down in Delhi-NCR; Traffic, power supply disrupted

The national capital saw a sudden spell of thunderstorms and heavy rain on Monday (May 23) which brought in much-needed respite from the scorching sun and brought down the mercury by 11 degrees Celsius. Daily life was affected as waterlogging was reported in several areas causing traffic jams and the power supply was disrupted due to these unprecedented rains.

A sudden spell of heavy rains and thunderstorms brought much-needed respite to Delhiites from the lengthy spell of sweltering heat. Credit: AFP Photo

The downpour affected daily life as waterlogging was reported in several areas causing traffic jams and the power supply was disrupted due to these unprecedented rains. Credit: PTI Photo

Waterlogging and subsequent traffic snarl on various stretches, including ITO, Gurugam, DND Flyway, Narsinghpur-Jaipur Road and near AIIMS were reported. The same was also reported from the Pul Prahladpur underpass, Narsinghpur on NH-48, Rao Tula Ram flyover in Vasant Vihar and other areas. Credit: PTI Photo

People cross a waterlogged divider after heavy rains, in Gurugram. Credit: PTI Photo

Reportedly, the strong winds uprooted trees at nearly 44 locations, according to data shared by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. Credit: PTI Photo

Various airlines like Indigo and Vistara also advised people to keep enough travel time in hand while commuting to the airport. Credit: PTI Photo

This sudden shower also disturbed the flight services. The airport authorities also cautioned people to contact the airline for updated flight details.

The weather department said this was the first moderate-intensity storm of this season for the national capital which has been reeling under unprecedented high temperatures for the past few weeks, crossing the 49-degree mark on one occasion. Credit: PTI Photo

Weather department officials said the rain and thunderstorms caused a drastic fall in the minimum surface temperature in Delhi which plummeted from 29 degrees Celsius to 18 degrees Celsius from 5.40 am to 7 am. The minimum temperature was recorded at 17.2 degrees Celsius, nine notches below the season's average while the maximum temperature was recorded at 31.5 degrees Celsius, eight notches below normal. Credit: PTI Photo