- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Sat, 05 Sep 2026 12:12 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Delhi surpassed annual rainfall target four months early.
- Capital recorded 782.6 mm rainfall by September 4.
- Further rain expected, potentially setting a new record.
The Meteorological Department had forecast below-normal rainfall for this year's monsoon. However, Delhi has seen a very different trend. After achieving its monsoon rainfall target ahead of schedule, the national capital also met its annual rainfall target on Friday, nearly four months before the end of the year.
The weather is likely to remain similar on Saturday, while another spell of rain is expected around September 10-11. With the monsoon expected to withdraw around September 25, Delhi could see its annual rainfall total rise further and potentially set a new record.
Annual Rainfall Target Completed Four Months Early
Delhi's average annual rainfall from January to December is 774.1 mm. By 8:30 pm on September 4, the capital had already recorded 782.6 mm of rain. The monsoon rainfall target for June to September had also been achieved a month earlier, in August.
After several days of dry weather, Delhi's weather changed again on Friday. Clouds began gathering in the morning, followed by heavy rain in the afternoon. The dark clouds also reduced visibility in several areas.
Between 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm, most parts of Delhi received moderate rainfall, while some areas recorded heavy showers. The Meteorological Department initially issued a yellow alert for Friday, which was later upgraded to an orange alert and then a red alert.
Mahesh Palawat, Vice President (Meteorology and Climate Change) at Skymet Weather, said the rainfall was triggered by the formation of a low-pressure area over south-western Uttar Pradesh and the monsoon trough moving towards south-western Uttar Pradesh through Punjab, Haryana and Delhi.
Weather Alert Changed From Yellow To Red
According to IMD, on Friday Delhi’s maximum temperature was 35.1 degrees Celsius, which is 1.0 degrees Celsius higher than normal, and the minimum temperature was 28.2 degrees Celsius and 2.6 degrees Celsius higher than normal. The relative humidity varied between 60 per cent and 100 per cent.
The city received 35.2 mm of rainfall till 5:30 pm on Friday, while the highest rainfall in Palam was 75.6 mm till 5:30 pm on Friday.
The Met department expects a similar forecast on Saturday. Moderate rain across the city, with possible heavy rainfall at many places, has been predicted. Currently, the yellow alert is in effect. This rainfall could contribute to a decrease in temperature on Saturday.
Rainfall Data In Delhi This Year (in mm)
Month | Average Rainfall | Rainfall Recorded |
January | 19.1 | 25.4 |
February | 21.3 | 0.5 |
March | 17.4 | 20.0 |
April | 16.3 | 30.0 |
May | 30.7 | 17.6 |
June | 74.1 | 41.8 |
July | 209.7 | 258.0 |
August | 233.1 | 354.1 |
September | 123.5 | 35.2 |
October | 15.1 | --- |
November | 6.0 | --- |
December | 8.1 | ---- |
(Till September 4)
How much rainfall (in mm) occurred in Delhi on Friday?
Place | Rain |
Safdarjung | 35.2 |
Palam | 75.6 |
Lodhi Road | 34.6 |
Ridge | 20.0 |
Ayanagar | 12.0 |
Pusa | 29.0 |
Mayur Vihar | 5.0 |
Jafarpur | 9.5 |
Chhattarpur | 15.0 |
Janakpuri | 48.5 |
Narayana | 54.0 |
Jharodha art | 25.0 |
Pitampura | 5.5 |
“This year's monsoon rainfall was forecast to be below normal across the country. The country is still experiencing a 13 per cent rainfall deficit. In Delhi, the effects of western disturbances and the formation of a low-pressure area resulted in above-normal monsoon rainfall, and the annual target was reached ahead of schedule,” said Dr Mrityunjay Mahapatra, Director General, Meteorological Department.