On Thursday, several areas across Delhi experienced significant rainfall, resulting in waterlogging and traffic congestion. The weather conditions brought a notable drop in temperatures, with the maximum settling at 27.9°C, which is six degrees below the seasonal average. This followed a higher temperature of 32.6°C recorded on Wednesday, as reported by the weather department.
Delhi is currently under an ‘orange’ alert, which signals a “be prepared” status due to forecasted severe weather conditions. The alert indicates potential disruptions to various modes of transport, including rail, road, and air, and warns of possible power outages. This advisory suggests that residents and authorities should be ready for significant disturbances. The rain, which began on Wednesday night, has led to considerable waterlogging in numerous parts of the city. Safdarjung, Delhi’s primary weather station, reported 16.3 mm of rainfall by 8:30 AM on Thursday. Other weather stations recorded similar amounts: 16 mm at Lodhi Road, 15 mm at Ayanagar, and 13 mm at Pitampura and SPS Mayur Vihar.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has noted that the season’s rainfall has significantly exceeded the average. As of now, Safdarjung has recorded 933.6 mm of rain this season, surpassing the normal of 586.9 mm by 57 per cent. September alone has experienced ten days of rainfall, defined as days with 2.5 mm or more precipitation. The heavy rain has led to extensive waterlogging and traffic jams across key roads in Delhi. Areas such as Old Pankha Road and GTK Road have been particularly affected, with police advising commuters to seek alternative routes. Traffic disruptions have also been reported on MB Road and other major arteries. Looking ahead, the weather department forecasts a generally cloudy sky with moderate rain for Friday. The temperatures are expected to range between a maximum of 31°C and a minimum of 21°C, with continued impacts on daily life and transportation.
