The National Capital Region (NCR) is experiencing the longest continuous spell of rain in 13 years, with downpours lasting a remarkable 14 days. This unprecedented rainfall, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), surpasses the previous record of 11 days witnessed in September 2021, August 2012, and August 2013.
The IMD forecasts predict that more rain is expected over the next six days. This prolonged period of rainfall has surpassed the monthly average of 233.1 mm, with Delhi receiving a total of 240.2 mm between August 1st and 17th. The Safdarjung weather station, which tracks Delhi’s weather patterns, has recorded “trace” rainfall since August 3rd, extending the streak of daily rainfall.
The IMD’s rainfall records, which date back to 2011, show that August has exceeded its monthly average three times – in 2012 (378.8 mm), 2013 (321.4 mm), and 2020 (237 mm). In 2023, Delhi recorded 11 rainy days in August, with four days of continuous rainfall. While the city saw 16 rainy days in 2022, it only experienced three consecutive days of rainfall. In 2021, Delhi witnessed 10 rainy days, including a four-day stretch, and in 2020, 18 rainy days were recorded, with nine occurring consecutively.
The heavy rainfall comes after a scorching summer and an uneven start to the monsoon in June. While the monsoon trough bypassed the region in July, Delhi-NCR is now experiencing heavy rainfall. June ended on a sultry note with no rainfall until the last day, when a single downpour of 228.1 mm pushed the month’s total to 228% above the normal average of 74.1 mm. July recorded 203.7 mm of rainfall, primarily light to moderate spells. Between July 31st and August 1st, 107.6 mm of rainfall was recorded, but much of it began after 8:30 a.m. on July 31st, counting towards August’s total. Since the start of the four-month monsoon season in June, Delhi has recorded 434.2 mm of rainfall, 17% above normal.
The IMD forecasts indicate that the Southwest monsoon is expected to be above normal for the remaining two months (August-September), with September likely to see more rainfall than August. This prediction is attributed to the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) returning to neutral, with the cooler La Niña phase expected to develop in the latter half of the monsoon season. The weather department notes that the formation of La Niña later this month is expected to improve rainfall prospects for August and September. La Niña is characterized by the cooling of sea surface temperatures and occurs every 3-5 years, sometimes in consecutive years. It leads to increased rainfall and distinct weather patterns, which can result in floods. India has recorded 627 mm of rainfall since June 1st, 4% above the normal of 603.9 mm. This surplus is attributed to heavy rainfall in July and early August across south and central India.
