Delhi NCR Heavy Rain Causes Flooding Traffic Chaos And IMD Warning
Delhi and the wider National Capital Region witnessed a wet and turbulent start to the week as overnight downpours submerged several arterial routes and paralysed traffic during the morning rush on Monday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the weather pattern is set to persist, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forecast until October 7.
Widespread waterlogging left commuters stranded across low-lying neighbourhoods and business districts, as vehicles crawled through inundated stretches. In parts of central and east Delhi, residents woke up to waist-deep water and power disruptions, highlighting the fragile state of the city’s stormwater drainage and preparedness. Commercial activity in markets and industrial clusters was also hampered, with several deliveries and construction schedules delayed.
Meteorological experts said a Western Disturbance over northwest India is driving the current spell of intense showers. This system is expected to continue pushing moisture into the region, resulting in sustained rainfall and the possibility of thunderstorms and lightning. The IMD has already issued a yellow alert for Delhi-NCR, advising residents to restrict non-essential travel and stay updated on advisories.The forecast covers not only the capital but also large parts of northern India, including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, western Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Isolated hailstorms have been projected in parts of these states, which could damage standing crops, disrupt transport and increase vulnerability for those living in fragile housing. Officials have also flagged the possibility of strong winds sweeping across the plains.
The weather agency has cautioned that minimum temperatures across northwest India may fall by 4 to 5 degrees Celsius after October 8, signalling an early transition to winter-like conditions. This sudden drop in temperatures may further strain urban infrastructure and energy use in cities, as heating demand rises even while drainage systems struggle with excess water.Emergency services have been instructed to remain on standby in low-lying belts prone to flooding, while civic agencies are clearing clogged drains to prevent further accumulation. Urban planners argue that the crisis underlines the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure in Delhi and surrounding regions. Experts point to the compounding effects of unplanned urbanisation, where impermeable concrete surfaces prevent rainwater percolation, leading to flooding with every intense rainfall event.
The rains have once again ignited debate over the capital’s preparedness to handle extreme weather, a phenomenon becoming more frequent under changing climate conditions. For a city striving to position itself as an equitable and sustainable urban hub, prioritising eco-friendly drainage systems, green buffers, and decentralised water storage could help mitigate both flood risk and future water shortages.Officials continue to urge caution, emphasising that residents should avoid flooded roads, keep away from trees and electric poles during thunderstorms, and follow traffic advisories. While the rain has offered some respite from pollution and heat, its disruptions are a reminder that without systematic investments in sustainable urban design, Delhi-NCR will remain vulnerable to both water scarcity and waterlogging.
