Delhi drenched as heavy rains bring relief IMD issues yellow alert for NCR
Delhi experiences heavy rainfall across several parts of the national capital on Monday morning, residents woke up to a refreshing change from the recent spell of muggy, oppressive heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Delhi and its adjoining NCR areas, warning of continued showers accompanied by thunder, lightning, and gusty winds. While the downpour provided much-needed relief to citizens, it also came with cautionary advisories, even as the city celebrated an extended stretch of clean air quality.
According to IMD’s nowcast update, light to moderate rainfall accompanied by lightning and gusty winds ranging from 30 to 40 km/h is expected across Delhi and multiple NCR regions including Sonipat, Gohana, Hansi, Siwani, Narwana, Fatehabad, Barwala, Jind, Adampur, Hisar, Meham, and Tosham. The alert underscores the possibility of quick weather changes over the coming hours and advises citizens to stay indoors or take precautions when traveling. The yellow alert indicates weather conditions that are not severe but could disrupt daily activities and should be monitored closely.
The rainfall began in the early hours of July 7, gradually intensifying through the morning and impacting traffic flow in several parts of the city. Reports from commuters indicated minor waterlogging in some low-lying areas, though there were no major disruptions to public transportation or critical services. The cooler temperatures that followed the rain were welcomed by Delhiites, who had endured a stretch of humid weather over the past several days. The rains are part of the broader monsoon system expected to stay active across northern India through the week.
In addition to offering a break from the heat, the showers have had a positive impact on the city’s air quality. For the eleventh consecutive day, Delhi recorded ‘satisfactory’ air quality levels, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board. This marks the longest uninterrupted spell of clean air the city has seen in 2025 so far. The consistent improvement in air quality has been attributed not just to rain but also to favorable wind patterns and sustained efforts to curb emissions during peak pollution hours.
The IMD has advised residents and commuters to keep an eye on weather updates and avoid venturing out during periods of high wind or lightning activity. Pedestrians and two-wheeler riders in particular have been urged to take extra caution as gusty winds could cause branches or weak structures to fall. People have also been advised not to shelter under trees during lightning strikes, and to ensure electronic devices are unplugged if the storm intensifies. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has not issued any red flags yet but remains on standby in case of localized flooding.
Residents across the city shared images and videos on social media platforms, capturing dramatic skies, overflowing balconies, and children dancing in the rain. While many celebrated the much-needed relief from heat, a few expressed concern about clogged drains and the potential return of seasonal waterlogging woes. In several areas, traffic police were seen clearing choked spots and managing traffic flow manually due to brief signal outages. Civic bodies, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), deployed emergency response teams to keep infrastructure functioning smoothly.
Urban planners and environmentalists noted the importance of such rainfall in replenishing groundwater levels but also pointed out the city’s chronic lack of rainwater harvesting infrastructure. Despite consistent rain in recent years, Delhi continues to lose a significant volume of runoff water due to poor urban drainage and concrete-heavy landscapes. Experts once again called for integrated stormwater management systems that would allow the city to retain more of its rainwater and reduce dependence on depleting reservoirs.
The yellow alert remains in effect through Tuesday, with chances of continued scattered rainfall over Delhi and neighboring regions. While the rain has given residents a brief reprieve from the capital’s sweltering summer, it also highlights the fragility of urban infrastructure under unpredictable weather patterns. In the face of climate change, such shifts—from dry heat to sudden cloudbursts—are expected to become more frequent, making the need for resilient planning more urgent.
For now, Delhi residents are enjoying the rain-washed streets, cooler breezes, and clearer skies. The IMD has promised timely updates should any conditions worsen, while local agencies remain engaged in maintaining order on the ground. The city may be soaked, but spirits are high, and umbrellas are out—not just for shelter, but celebration.
