Heavy rainfall lashed Delhi-NCR on Tuesday, causing widespread waterlogging and traffic disruption across the capital. The IMD has issued a red alert for Delhi, while Gurugram and Faridabad are under a yellow alert as more rain is expected.
Heavy Rain Disrupts Normal Life Across Delhi-NCR
Heavy showers swept across several parts of Delhi-NCR on Tuesday morning, disrupting traffic movement and causing waterlogging on several major roads.
The latest spell of rainfall comes a day after heavy showers affected large parts of the National Capital Region, with traffic congestion, waterlogged roads and disruptions to air travel reported in different areas.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Delhi, warning that heavy to extremely heavy rainfall could occur at isolated locations. The weather department has also forecast thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in parts of the capital.
With rainfall expected to continue, authorities are closely monitoring low-lying areas, major roads and stretches prone to water accumulation.
Several Key Roads Face Waterlogging
Heavy showers were reported across prominent locations, including Parliament Street, Connaught Place, AIIMS, ITO, RK Puram, Ferozeshah Road, Bhikaji Cama Place, Baba Kharak Singh Marg and Shanti Path.
Significant waterlogging was reported near the AIIMS flyover loop, affecting traffic movement in the area. Vehicles were also seen navigating waterlogged stretches near Connaught Place.
The accumulation of water on important arterial roads has raised concerns over further congestion as office-goers and other commuters take to the roads.
Underpasses, flyover approaches and low-lying stretches could remain particularly vulnerable if another spell of intense rainfall hits the city.
IMD Warns of More Heavy Rain
According to the IMD forecast, moderate rainfall is likely at many places across Delhi, with the possibility of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations.
Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are also expected, adding to the risks associated with the weather system.
The red alert indicates the possibility of significant disruption and calls for heightened preparedness by authorities and residents.
The combination of intense rainfall and already waterlogged roads could lead to additional traffic restrictions and slower movement during the day.
Gurugram and Faridabad Under Yellow Alert
The adverse weather is not restricted to Delhi.
Gurugram and Faridabad have been placed under a yellow alert, with additional rainfall expected in these parts of NCR.
Gurugram, in particular, witnessed heavy rainfall on Monday, resulting in waterlogging and severe traffic congestion in several areas. The continuing rain has prompted authorities to take precautionary measures to reduce pressure on the road network.
No specific weather warning was issued for Noida in the information available, although the city remained heavily overcast.
Continued rainfall across Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad and surrounding areas could affect inter-city movement and traffic on major connecting routes.
Gurugram Advises Offices and Schools to Work From Home
Following the previous day's heavy rainfall, the Gurugram District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) advised corporate offices, government and private schools and other institutions to consider work-from-home arrangements on Tuesday.
The move is intended to reduce traffic congestion and allow civic agencies to undertake repair, maintenance and drainage-related work more efficiently.
Authorities have warned that continued rainfall could result in waterlogging at multiple locations and disrupt normal traffic movement.
Reducing the number of vehicles on roads could also help emergency and civic teams reach affected areas more quickly.
Delhi Airport Issues Passenger Advisory
Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport issued an advisory early Tuesday morning in view of adverse weather conditions around the airport.
The airport said that flight operations were normal at the time of the advisory, but passengers were advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest information.
Travellers have also been advised to account for additional road travel time because waterlogging and congestion could affect routes connecting the airport with different parts of Delhi-NCR.
Airport authorities said their teams were coordinating with other stakeholders to minimise potential disruption caused by the weather.
Temperature and Humidity Remain High
At the Safdarjung weather station, Delhi's temperature stood at 26.6 degrees Celsius at 5:30 am, while humidity was recorded at 100 per cent.
The station had recorded around 3 mm of rainfall by 8:30 am, according to the IMD.
High humidity, extensive cloud cover and continued moisture in the atmosphere could support further rainfall during the day.
Weather conditions may therefore remain unsettled, with short-duration intense showers potentially causing sudden water accumulation even if rainfall is not continuous.
Waterlogging Puts Pressure on Civic Infrastructure
The latest rainfall has again highlighted the challenge of managing stormwater drainage during intense monsoon spells in Delhi-NCR.
Heavy rainfall over a short period can overwhelm drainage systems, particularly in areas where water naturally accumulates or where drains and outlets are blocked.
Civic agencies are expected to focus on pumping out accumulated water, clearing drains, managing traffic and addressing damaged road stretches.
Major intersections, underpasses, flyover loops and low-lying roads are likely to remain among the areas requiring closer monitoring.
Traffic Disruptions Could Persist
The impact of the rainfall is expected to be felt most strongly on major commuter routes.
Waterlogging can significantly reduce road speeds and create bottlenecks as motorists avoid flooded stretches. Even after rainfall subsides, accumulated water can continue to affect traffic until drainage operations are completed.
Commuters travelling between Delhi and satellite cities such as Gurugram, Faridabad and Noida may therefore face longer journey times.
Public transport services and last-mile connectivity could also experience delays depending on local road conditions.
Residents Advised to Follow Weather Updates
With a red alert in place for Delhi and yellow alerts covering Gurugram and Faridabad, residents are advised to remain alert to official weather and traffic advisories.
Motorists should exercise additional caution on waterlogged roads, particularly during periods of poor visibility and thunderstorms. Two-wheeler riders may face additional risks on roads with standing water.
People planning essential travel should check weather and traffic conditions before leaving and avoid unnecessary movement during periods of intense rainfall.
The weather situation remains dynamic, and further heavy showers could lead to fresh waterlogging and traffic disruption across parts of Delhi-NCR.