Delhi Rains: IMD Forecasts Heavy Showers, Waterlogging Disrupts Traffic

New Delhi, October 3: The national capital received fresh showers on Tuesday morning, bringing some respite from the recent humid conditions but also causing waterlogging and traffic jams in several areas. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), moderate rain is expected at many places across Delhi, with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall likely at isolated locations.

The Safdarjung observatory recorded a temperature of 26.6 degrees Celsius at 5:30 am, with 100 per cent relative humidity. The station logged 3 mm of rainfall by 8:30 am, as per IMD data. The weather office has also predicted thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds over the capital during the day.

The Tuesday morning downpour follows heavy showers on Monday that had triggered waterlogging and traffic disruptions across Delhi-NCR. Several flights were diverted from the Indira Gandhi International Airport due to poor visibility and wet runway conditions, though operations were later restored. Civic authorities have been advised to remain on alert and clear drainage systems to prevent prolonged waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Monsoon activity has been active over northwest India, including Delhi, aided by a trough extending from Rajasthan to the Bay of Bengal. The IMD has urged residents to stay alert for possible traffic congestion and avoid unnecessary travel during spells of heavy rain. Commuters reported slow movement on major roads, including the Ring Road and stretches near ITO and Munirka, where waterlogging was observed.

For the broader Delhi-NCR region, the forecast suggests that light to moderate rain will continue through the day, with occasional intense spells. The maximum temperature is likely to settle around 32 degrees Celsius, slightly below the seasonal average. The relatively cooler conditions are expected to persist for the next two days, after which the intensity of rainfall may gradually reduce.

The southwest monsoon, which typically withdraws from northwest India by the end of September, has shown an extended presence this year. As per IMD records, Delhi has received above-normal rainfall during September, contributing to the waterlogging incidents seen in the past week.

Authorities have urged residents to report waterlogging and fallen trees to the respective municipal corporations. The Delhi Traffic Police has asked commuters to take alternate routes and follow traffic advisories. Meanwhile, the weather department has assured that no heatwave conditions are expected in the coming week, with monsoon-related rainfall likely to continue for the next 48 hours.

While the rains have caused some inconvenience, they have also improved the air quality index (AQI) in the city, which was recorded in the 'satisfactory' category earlier in the day. Weather officials advise farmers in surrounding regions to manage crop drainage appropriately to avoid damage from excess rainfall.