The capital of India, Delhi, recorded 109.6 mm of rain in March 2020, making it the wettest March in history, according to the country’s meteorological department (IMD). The capital received 589 percent more rain than its long-term average for the month, which is only 15.9 mm.
The March 2020 record exceeded the previous one set in 2015, when 97.4 mm of rain was recorded in Delhi.
In addition to a record wet March, Delhi also recorded its fourth wettest March day, as Safradjung recorded 37 mm on March 15. The highest daily precipitation was established back in 1915 with 62.2 mm.
Each metropolitan area has witnessed a “large excess” (LE) of rainfall, compared with their respective long-term March averages.
Northeast Delhi recorded 131.4 mm, 852% LE; North Delhi 105.5 mm, 1,406% LE; New Delhi 81.2 mm, 386% LE; South Delhi 71.9 mm, 421% LE; East Delhi 59.2 mm 329%; and Southwest Delhi 54.5 mm, 198%.
The records are the result of at least seven western cyclones that hit the northern and northwestern states of India last month. These cyclones are storms caused by westerly winds from the Mediterranean Sea, collecting moisture in their path.
Cyclones constantly caused off-season rains, snowfalls and thunderstorms over the region, which led to unusually humid conditions for this season.
The month of April is expected to follow the same path, and a new cyclone will hit the North and Northwest parts of India starting on Sunday, April 5th.
