Heavy Rain Paralyses Delhi, Sparks Waterlogging and Travel Chaos
An intense spell of heavy rain lashed Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Tuesday morning, causing widespread waterlogging that crippled traffic and brought the city to a standstill. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for several parts of the capital and has forecast more intense showers, prompting major airlines to issue travel advisories for passengers flying to and from the city.
The downpour, which began early Tuesday, led to severe waterlogging in numerous areas, including ITO, Dhaula Kuan, Naraina, and Patel Nagar. Visuals from across the city showed commuters wading through knee-deep water and vehicles submerged on flooded roads, highlighting the paralysis of movement during peak hours. The IMD reported that Delhi recorded 8 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 am, with “intense to very intense spells” expected to continue. The minimum temperature was recorded at 26.8 degrees Celsius, slightly below the seasonal average, with the maximum expected to be around 30 degrees Celsius.
The severe weather has significantly impacted travel. Major carriers including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have warned passengers of potential flight delays and disruptions due to gusty winds and rain. Airlines have urged travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to allow extra time for their journeys due to expected traffic snarls. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport also issued an advisory for passengers to plan their travel cautiously.
Despite the deluge, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded in the ‘satisfactory’ category with a reading of 87 at 9 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. The IMD’s forecast predicts that a generally cloudy sky with moderate rain will persist, with the possibility of more showers over the next seven days until August 3
