The national capital and its adjoining regions were pounded by extreme rainfall on Saturday morning, triggering severe waterlogging, traffic chaos, and widespread disruptions ahead of the Raksha Bandhan weekend. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh warning for thunderstorms with rain, urging residents to exercise caution as the wet spell shows no sign of easing.

Early Morning Downpour Brings City to a Standstill

Residents across Delhi woke to heavy showers that quickly inundated low-lying areas. Visuals from key stretches—including Mathura Road, Ring Road, and the approach roads near Bharat Mandapam’s Gate No. 7—showed large pools of stagnant water, forcing vehicles to wade through knee-deep water. Commuters reported long delays as traffic ground to a halt in several pockets of the city.

Neighbouring Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad were also hit hard, with underpasses and service lanes becoming impassable in parts of the NCR.

IMD Forecast: More Thunderstorms Ahead

The IMD’s latest advisory predicts “thunderstorm with rain” through the day, with maximum temperatures hovering around 36°C and minimums close to 27°C. Meteorologists have warned that the intensity of showers could increase in the evening and overnight, bringing fresh risks of flash flooding in vulnerable zones.

In its extended outlook, the weather office has indicated a continuation of cloudy skies, intermittent rainfall, and thunderstorm activity over the coming days, as monsoon winds remain active over the northern plains.

Raksha Bandhan Rush Adds to Traffic Woes

The timing of the downpour could not have been more disruptive, with thousands of residents expected to travel for the Raksha Bandhan festival. Delhi Traffic Police have issued an advisory urging people to avoid certain heavily congested routes, including the Delhi–Karnal highway, stretches towards Sonipat and Panipat, and arterial connections to Chandigarh.

Several commuters reported being stuck in traffic jams lasting over an hour, particularly in areas where rainwater had submerged entire lanes.

Urban Flooding Exposes Infrastructure Gaps

The latest spell of extreme rain has once again highlighted Delhi’s chronic drainage challenges. Poorly maintained stormwater systems and encroachments on natural drains have left many parts of the city vulnerable to flooding even after moderate showers. Today’s intense downpour magnified those weaknesses, stranding public buses, slowing Metro feeder services, and forcing pedestrians to navigate through waterlogged sidewalks.

Experts have repeatedly called for urgent upgrades to the city’s drainage infrastructure, warning that climate-induced shifts in rainfall patterns are likely to increase the frequency of such extreme weather events.

Ripple Effects Beyond the Capital

The impact of the weather extended beyond just road traffic. Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport were temporarily affected, with delays reported for several departures and arrivals during the morning peak. In Ghaziabad and Noida, authorities have also been grappling with water supply issues after two key treatment plants were shut down due to silt deposits from recent flash floods in Uttarakhand.

Officials said they were working to restore normal water supply but urged residents to conserve usage in the meantime.

Relief From Humidity, But Risks Remain

While the rains have brought a noticeable drop in humidity and daytime heat, the IMD has cautioned against complacency. Strong winds, lightning, and slippery road conditions are expected to persist alongside the rains, posing hazards for both motorists and pedestrians.

Residents are being advised to:

• Avoid venturing out during intense showers unless necessary

• Stay away from waterlogged areas and open drains

• Monitor traffic and weather updates before starting journeys

• Keep electronic devices and valuables protected from water damage

Looking Ahead

With the monsoon system expected to remain active over the region, Delhiites may need to brace for more wet days ahead. Authorities are on alert for potential flooding in low-lying areas and have deployed pumping units in flood-prone localities.

For now, the combination of extreme rainfall, looming thunderstorms, and heavy holiday traffic means that residents should plan for delays and disruptions, while city planners face renewed pressure to build long-term resilience against increasingly volatile monsoon patterns.