Rain brings joy to Delhi, disrupts traffic

Heavy rain lashed the national capital and its adjoining areas Thursday, bringing an end to the long spell of sultry and hot weather. However, traffic jams spoilt the fun for many.

The day began on a sunny note but by the afternoon, the sky became cloudy and there was heavy rain and strong winds in the capital and its suburbs, including Noida in Uttar Pradesh.

The city received 6.4 mm of rain till 5.30 p.m., the India Meteorological Department said.

The maximum temperature settled three notches above the season's average at 37 degrees Celsius. Following the showers, the mercury dropped to 31.2 degrees at 5.30 p.m.

The heavy rain caused water-logging in many parts of the city which led to traffic snarls.

Jams were reported from around the central Delhi commercial hub of Connaught Place and the ITO crossing, which has numerous government offices.

Areas like Lajpat Nagar, South Extension, Govindpuri in south Delhi were affected too, the traffic police said.

"I have barely moved a few feet in the last 20 minutes. Rain in Delhi always brings along jams," whined 28-year-old Deepak Manchanda, who was stuck near Connaught Place.

According to the city's municipal corporations, seven trees fell in north Delhi and six in south Delhi. In addition, a house collapsed in Batla Nagar area and a wall came down in Jamia Nagar in south Delhi.

Unperturbed by the jams, many Delhiites especially families thronged the city's popular hotspots like India Gate and Dilli Haat in the evening to enjoy the weather.

Some took a stroll in the lawns around India Gate while other gorged on street food and indulged in window-shopping.

"I left office early to join my family at Dilli Haat. The weather is pleasant and we plan to make the most of it," said 36-year-old chartered accountant Ritika Sharma.

Meanwhile, the Met Office has forecast more rain over the weekend.

"The sky tomorrow (Friday) will be partly cloudy and parts of the city will get rain," said an IMD official.

The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to hover around 36 and 27 degrees Celsius, the official added.

Thursday's maximum humidity was recorded at 77 percent.

Wednesday's maximum temperature settled five notches above the season's average at 38.2 degrees Celsius, while the minimum was recorded at 27.5 degrees, a notch above the season's average.