Heavy rain in Delhi-NCR has left much of the city struggling with waterlogged streets and submerged lanes. After recent downpours in Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, the monsoon has returned to the capital with full force. Roads and gully have turned into mini rivers, making even simple commutes difficult for residents.
Many locals reported standing water flooding their neighbourhoods. Imran, a resident of Shahdara in North East Delhi, said, “It started raining at between 9 am to 10 am and continued until 2 pm. The streets were flooded, and children were playing in the water. I had to cancel a payment collection because I simply could not reach the place.”
The intensity of the rain in just four hours raises questions about Delhi’s drainage system and its capacity to handle heavier showers like those seen in Mumbai. Daily wage workers and those reliant on daily commuting faced additional hardships.
Authorities have warned that such waterlogging can cause serious disruptions. Thousands of commuters faced delays as streets became impassable, and daily wage workers were particularly affected, unable to reach their jobs.
The showers also provided a welcome break from the heat, with thousands flocking to Durga Puja pandals across the city. The rains, although intense, brought much-needed relief after days of sweltering temperatures.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an alert at 11:03 am, forecasting scattered showers in parts of Delhi until 2 pm. Light rainfall below 5 mm was expected in Delhi, while surrounding areas in Haryana, including Sonipat, Charkhi Dadri, Jhajjar, Farukhnagar, Sohna, Rewari, and Nuh, as well as Noida, Khatauli, and Sakoti Tanda in Uttar Pradesh, were also likely to experience showers.
The rain has brought down the city’s temperatures, which had been unusually high this September. On Monday, the maximum temperature touched 37.5 degrees Celsius, following a 38.1-degree reading a day earlier, marking the hottest September in two years. Today, the temperature is expected to peak around 35 degrees Celsius, with a minimum of 28.7 degrees. Humidity levels were recorded at 74 per cent at 8:30 am.
Air quality has improved slightly, with Delhi recording an AQI of 114 at 8 am, which falls into the moderate category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Several airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, have issued advisories. Passengers travelling to and from Delhi are urged to check flight schedules due to potential delays caused by the heavy showers.
The monsoon’s sudden return has reminded residents of the city’s vulnerability to waterlogging and the importance of preparedness. While the rain disrupted normal life, it also brought temporary relief from the sweltering heat, creating a mix of challenges and comfort across the capital.
Also Read: The Forgotten Drainage of Historic Kolkata
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