Heavy rain lashed Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) on Tuesday, bringing relief from the ongoing heatwave but causing significant waterlogging and traffic snarls across the capital city.
The rain, accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms, began in the afternoon and intensified rapidly across south and central Delhi, hitting areas such as AIIMS, Qutub Institutional Area, and Connaught Place. Neighbouring cities including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram were also impacted by heavy downpours and wind speeds reaching 50–70 km/h.
While the sudden drop in temperature, from a high of 34 degree Celsius to 29 degree Celsius, brought respite from the relentless heatwave, the traffic and vehicular chaos that followed on the roads overshadowed the relief.
Major Disruptions Across the Capital
Key intersections and low-lying roads, including parts of Mahipalpur, Punjabi Bagh, Patel Nagar, and the Ring Road, were submerged within hours of the rain. Videos and photos of knee-deep water and stranded vehicles circulated widely online. Public transport and emergency services struggled to navigate the flooded streets, worsening congestion in several high-traffic zones.
Indira Gandhi International Airport also felt the impact. A total of 12 flights were diverted between 3pm and 4pm due to inclement weather, with the Delhi airport issuing advisories warning passengers of potential delays and urging them to contact airlines for updated schedules.
IMD Warnings and Advisory
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Delhi and NCR from 2:15 PM to 4:15 PM on Tuesday, warning of thunderstorms, hailstorms, lightning, and gusty winds. The alert included areas in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and other parts of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
A broader yellow alert remains in place until Thursday, with forecasts of continued light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and wind speeds of up to 60 km/h. The IMD also cautioned residents to avoid open areas during lightning, unplug electrical devices, and limit travel unless necessary.
The downpour triggered a flood of public complaints aimed at Delhi’s civic authorities and the newly appointed BJP Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Citizens voiced their frustration online, questioning the city’s preparedness for monsoon and highlighting the recurring issue of poor drainage.
“UNPRECEDENTED & SHOCKING amounts of waterlogging in Delhi after only the first couple of hours of monsoon rain. Dear Chief Minister @gupta\_rekha — less PHOTO OPs and more REAL WORK on road drainage, please,” posted Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose on X.
“With Triple Engine Sarkaar, was really hoping things will be different this monsoon. First rain in Delhi after a super hot month and the city is already drowning. No hope from this system anymore,” lamented a user sharing visuals from the waterlogged Punjabi Bagh–Patel Nagar intersection.
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