Heavy Rains Inundate Parts of Delhi, Disrupt Traffic and Daily Life
Heavy rainfall in the early hours of Tuesday (August 25, 2026) left several parts of Delhi waterlogged and caused traffic to crawl, with some areas recording over 100 mm of rain in a 24-hour period.
According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ayanagar recorded the highest rainfall at 101.9 mm, followed by the Ridge at 100.4 mm. Safdarjung received 99.1 mm, Lodhi Road 98.3 mm, and Palam recorded 68 mm till 8 a.m. on Tuesday. The rainfall was widespread, with all parts of the city witnessing precipitation.
Waterlogging was reported from several parts of the city, including Ashoka Road in Lutyens' Delhi, Raisina Road, areas around RML Hospital, Parliament Street, Baba Kharak Singh Marg and Connaught Place. Commuters also faced difficulties near the Supreme Court and AIIMS, where vehicles were seen being pulled through waterlogged stretches by riders. Other affected areas included ITO, Moti Bagh, Kamla Nagar and Karol Bagh. These areas are among the busiest in the national capital, and the waterlogging caused significant disruptions to both pedestrian and vehicular movement.
The rainfall brought down minimum temperatures across the city, with all five IMD stations recording temperatures below normal. Safdarjung recorded a minimum of 23.5 degrees Celsius, 2.9 degrees below normal; Palam saw 21.8 degrees Celsius, 4.3 degrees below normal; Lodhi Road recorded 23.6 degrees Celsius, 1.4 degrees below normal; Ridge recorded 20.8 degrees Celsius, 4.7 degrees below normal; and Ayanagar recorded 23.8 degrees Celsius, 2 degrees below normal. This drop in temperature provided some relief from the usual warm and humid conditions typical of the monsoon season.
Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 100 in the 'satisfactory' category at 9 a.m., according to the Central Pollution Control Board's national AQI scale. Levels of 0–50 are categorised as 'good', 51–100 as 'satisfactory', 101–200 as 'moderate', 201–300 as 'poor', 301–400 as 'very poor', and 401–500 as 'severe'. The improved air quality was likely a result of the rain washing away airborne pollutants.
The waterlogging led to long traffic jams on major arterial roads, with vehicles moving at a snail's pace. Several commuters were seen wading through waterlogged stretches, while motorists took detours to avoid flooded areas. Public transport, including buses and auto-rickshaws, was also affected, with services delayed in many routes. The Delhi Traffic Police advised commuters to plan their journeys in advance and avoid the affected routes.
The heavy downpour is part of the ongoing monsoon season, which typically lasts from late June to September in the national capital. August is often one of the wettest months, bringing intense spells of rain. Waterlogging during such rains is a recurring challenge for Delhi, with low-lying areas especially vulnerable. Municipal authorities deploy pumps and teams to clear water, but accumulations can persist for hours, particularly when rainfall is sudden and intense.
Residents are advised to check traffic updates before venturing out and to avoid waterlogged roads, which can hide hazards such as open drains or exposed electrical wires. The IMD continues to monitor the weather situation and has issued necessary advisories. Commuters are encouraged to remain cautious and follow instructions from local authorities to ensure safety.
