Date:25/06/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/06/25/stories/2006062516780100.htm

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Some rain, some relief, some joy, some hope

Staff Reporter

SOME FUN, SOME GAMES: The scene at India Gate lawns in the Capital soon after Saturday's showers. - PHOTO: PTI

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NEW DELHI: The Capital got some relief from oppressive heat and humidity on Saturday as strong easterly winds brought in rain-bearing clouds that precipitated over large parts of the city and brought the mercury down to a very comfortable 27.8 degrees Celsius. The weather office described the rain as a "local phenomenon" and added that the much-awaited pre-monsoon showers are still some time away.

Thanks to the rain, the temperature at Safdarjung that had reached a high of 37.8 degrees Celsius came down sharply and the humidity levels also dropped from around 75 per cent to about 50 per cent. The rain, which lasted about half an hour in some parts of the Capital, did not cover the entire city and while dark clouds hovered over South Delhi many areas did not receive any rain.

However, New Delhi and East Delhi received a fair share of the precipitation that was loudly welcomed by children who stepped out of their houses and enjoyed the showers.

Elsewhere, people on duty and particularly two-wheeler riders and cyclists were seen scurrying for cover or standing under bus shelters, over-bridges and elevated Metro Rail tracks to save themselves from getting wet.

The day's saving grace was that the easterlies which brought the rain were not too strong and did not uproot trees or electric lines as had happened last Friday when a dust storm had left a trail of destruction in the form of hundreds of uprooted trees and broken hoardings.

The weather office, meanwhile, has predicted some more rain for Sunday. It said the day would witness a partly cloudy sky and there is possibility of thunder and light rain accompanied by a squall towards afternoon or evening in some areas.