Delhi weather: Red alert issued as heavy rain causes waterlogging, traffic snarls

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday issued a red alert for Delhi after heavy rain lashed the national capital, triggering widespread waterlogging and severe traffic congestion across several parts of the city.

The weather department forecast moderate rain at many places and heavy rain at isolated locations over the next few hours, accompanied by moderate thunderstorms and lightning.

According to the IMD, Delhi’s primary weather station at Safdarjung recorded 59.2 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours. Lodi Road received 60.4 mm, while the Ridge station recorded 57 mm during the same period.

The heavy rainfall affected traffic movement across the city, with major congestion reported on Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, ITO, Wazirabad Road, Patel Road, Rohtak Road, Shankar Road, the Kirti Nagar stretch, the Delhi-Jaipur Highway, Peeragarhi and Shaheen Bagh.

The IMD also issued a three-hour red alert for Delhi, warning that continued rainfall could worsen waterlogging and traffic conditions. Commuters were advised to factor in delays while travelling to and from work.

Across the National Capital Region, rainfall remained comparatively lighter. Ghaziabad recorded 11 mm of rainfall at Kamla Nehru Nagar and 8 mm at Hindon, while Gurugram received 11.5 mm.

Delhi-NCR woke up to another rainy morning on Friday, August 7. The IMD had earlier issued a yellow alert for continued rainfall across the region, warning that persistent showers could lead to waterlogging, traffic congestion and localised flooding, particularly in Gurugram, which continued to face the impact of Thursday’s heavy rain.

The weather department forecast cloudy skies with one or two spells of light to moderate rain across Delhi through the day. Isolated areas could receive heavy rainfall between the early morning and noon, followed by another spell of light rain during the evening and night. Daytime temperatures are expected to remain between 31 degree celsius and 33 degree celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to stay between 22 degree celsius and 24 degree celsius.

Gurugram remained among the worst-hit areas in the National Capital Region after receiving around 97 mm of rainfall over the past 24 hours. The overnight downpour left several roads submerged, disrupting traffic and slowing movement during the morning rush hour. Waterlogging was reported from several low-lying areas as drainage systems struggled to cope with the volume of rain.

The IMD has warned of heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places in Gurugram, Mahendragarh, Rewari, Jhajjar, Nuh (Mewat), Palwal, Faridabad, Sonipat, Charkhi Dadri and Yamunanagar. Light to moderate rainfall is likely at most places across Gurugram and neighbouring districts during the day.

Authorities have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel through waterlogged areas and check traffic updates before leaving home. Motorists have also been urged to drive cautiously because of reduced visibility and water accumulation on roads.

The IMD expects rainfall to gradually ease over the weekend. No weather warning has been issued for Saturday, although light to moderate rain is likely at a few places, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Palwal, Rewari, Mahendragarh and Nuh. Similar conditions are expected on Sunday, with isolated light to moderate showers forecast across Gurugram and several districts of Haryana without any major weather alert.

Officials said localised waterlogging could continue in Gurugram until accumulated rainwater is fully drained, especially if fresh spells of rain occur during the day.