Delhi Rainfall – Heavy Downpour Triggers Waterlogging and Traffic Delays
Delhi Rainfall – Heavy rain overnight brought widespread disruption across Delhi on Thursday, flooding several roads, slowing traffic and uprooting trees in parts of the capital. The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert, warning that more rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning could affect the city through the day.
Rainfall crosses 70 mm at Safdarjung
Safdarjung, Delhi’s main weather observatory, recorded 72.6 mm of rain in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am, according to the India Meteorological Department. Other stations also reported significant rainfall, with Lodhi Road receiving 80.2 mm, Ridge recording 77.8 mm, Palam 63 mm and Ayanagar 57.4 mm.
The weather office said moderate to heavy rain was likely to continue, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Delhi’s minimum temperature was recorded at 24.3 degrees Celsius, which was 3.6 degrees below the seasonal average.
Waterlogged roads affect movement across Delhi
The prolonged downpour led to water accumulation on several major and local roads, causing inconvenience for commuters during the morning hours. Traffic movement was affected around Vikas Marg, parts of East Delhi, New Delhi railway station, Munirka, Sadar Bazar and Dwarka.
The Delhi-Noida Expressway also witnessed slow-moving traffic after rainwater collected on stretches of the route. Residents and commuters posted photographs and videos online showing flooded roads, vehicles moving through standing water and long queues during the rush hour.
Authorities were monitoring vulnerable locations where waterlogging often affects daily travel, particularly in low-lying areas and roads with heavy traffic volume.
Uprooted trees disrupt traffic in East of Kailash
The rain and strong winds also caused trees to fall in southeast Delhi’s East of Kailash area. Delhi Fire Service officials said two trees were uprooted on Raja Dhir Singh Marg, affecting movement on the road.
One tree fell near the ISKCON temple, while another came down outside the National Heart Institute. Emergency teams were informed and efforts were initiated to clear the affected stretches and restore normal traffic flow.
Fallen trees and waterlogged roads remained among the main concerns for civic agencies as rain continued across different parts of the city.
Monsoon trough linked to extended rain spell
Weather experts said the continuing rain over the past two days was linked to a shift in the seasonal monsoon trough. The system has moved north from central India towards the Himalayan foothills, creating favourable conditions for widespread rainfall over Delhi and nearby areas.
The city is expected to receive more rain while the monsoon trough remains in its current position. Once the weather system shifts further north, Delhi may experience a relatively drier phase, experts said.
The IMD has advised residents to remain cautious during thunderstorms and avoid waterlogged roads where possible. People travelling during the day may face delays due to poor visibility, rainwater accumulation and slower traffic on key routes.
Air quality remains satisfactory despite rain
Delhi’s air quality stayed in the satisfactory category on Thursday morning. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed the Air Quality Index at 61 at 9 am.
Rainfall often helps reduce suspended dust and certain pollutants in the atmosphere, although weather conditions can influence air quality differently across locations. The current reading indicated that air pollution levels remained within the satisfactory range despite the heavy rain and disruption in the city.