Delhi-NCR rain: IMD issues red alert as more showers predicted; severe waterlogging, traffic chaos reported

Delhi NCR on Thursday woke up to widespread showers, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) showing light to moderate rainfall recorded most places.

Thunderstorms and lightning—accompanied by heavy showers—are expected to follow over the next few hours today. 

IMD’s latest city forecast bulletin for the capital also points to a “generally cloudy sky” on August 14, with “one or two spells of light to moderate rain/thundershowers,” and a possibility of heavy rain at isolated spots in various parts of Delhi and its adjoining NCR districts. Maximum temperatures at daytime are expected to be 32–34°C, with minimum temperatures near 24–26°C. 

Various parts of Delhi NCR—such as Lajpat Nagar, RK Puram, Lodhi Road, and the Delhi-Haryana border—witnessed intense showers.

The wet spell is likely to persist through the long weekend. According to the IMD, showers are expected to continue intermittently till August 17, keeping skies overcast and temperatures low. 

Nowcasts have warned of localised waterlogging and slower travel in certain low-lying regions of Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon and Ghaziabad during heavy rainfall, especially with the IMD raising its alert from yellow to red for Thursday, as per a DD News report.

An IMD report has identified cyclonic circulations over north India—particularly over Uttar Pradesh—and a trough aligned with a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, enhancing moisture and instability. These features favour recurrent showers and thunderstorms over the region. 

Residents of Delhi can expect a cloudy Independence Day eve in Delhi, with intermittent showers continuing throughout the weekend, and brief spells of intense showers.

India