Heavy rains lash Delhi, more expected Monday

New Delhi, July 13 (IANS) Heavy rain lashed the Indian capital and its adjoining areas Sunday, ending a scorching heat wave and high humidity levels and bringing joy to millions. The Met Office has forecast more showers Monday.

The city received 25.6 mm of rainfall till 5.30 p.m. Sunday. As a consequence of the showers, the temperature recorded at that time was a welcome 27 degrees -- a marked fall as compared to previous days.

The day's maximum temperature registered 40.2 degrees Celsius, five notches above average.

The heavy rain left many parts of Delhi flooded. Though traffic remained heavy on some arterial roads, no major snarls were reported, traffic police said.

Over a dozen trees were uprooted due to the thunderstorm. Incidents of wall collapses were reported from six areas, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) said.

Many boys and girls - and even older people - came out of their homes to get drenched in the first major spell of monsoon rain.

And being a Sunday, hundreds of Delhiites, especially families, thronged popular city spots like India Gate and the adjoining Children's Park as well as the many popular markets around the city.

"It finally rained and that too on Sunday. It's a double bonanza for us. I hope the weather gods keep smiling on the city," said Neerja Khanna, a 34-year-old bank executive as she played with her four-year-old son in the park near India Gate.

The popular central Delhi commercial hub of Connaught Place and the Central Park too were abuzz with activity.

While some indulged in window-shopping and gorging on street food and ice-cream, many could be seen relaxing or strolling barefoot in the park while gusts of cool wind soothed the senses.

"After days of unbearable heat, the weather finally became pleasant. This is very soothing," said Aneet Batra, a 20-year-old student of Delhi University who came with his friends to the park.

According to the Met Office, more rains are expected in the city Monday.

"The sky will remain cloudy and parts of the city will experience a thunderstorm," said a Met official.

The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 38 and 28 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Sunday morning was hot and humid and the minimum temperature settled four notches above the season's average at 30.5 degrees Celsius.

Saturday's maximum temperature was recorded seven notches above the season's average at 42.3 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest July 12 in the last five years while the minimum temperature was 30.1 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season's average.