Intense rain and thunderstorm activity, accompanied by strong gusts of wind, swept across several parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Tuesday. While the showers offered much-needed respite from the oppressive heat, they also triggered issues such as water accumulation and traffic bottlenecks in multiple localities. According to an official, around 12 flights had to be rerouted from Delhi airport between 3 pm and 4 pm due to inclement weather. The heavy rain led to waterlogging up to knee level in locations such as the Delhi Cantonment underpass, Zakhira Underpass, Pul Prahladpur, ITO, Delhi Najafgarh Road, and Rohtak Road, significantly hampering vehicle movement.

Earlier, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for Delhi and adjoining areas, predicting thunderstorms with hail, moderate to heavy showers, and strong winds reaching speeds of 50–70 kmph in isolated pockets.

A severe traffic gridlock was witnessed at ITO during the rain spell in New Delhi on Tuesday.
In a comprehensive weather advisory, the IMD warned residents about severe lightning risks, particularly in open spaces, advising people to remain indoors, refrain from non-essential travel, and disconnect electrical appliances to guard against lightning-induced power surges.

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The advisory further cautioned against taking refuge under trees or metallic structures and discouraged mobile phone usage in exposed outdoor locations during stormy weather. Farmers and those working outdoors were specifically instructed to suspend operations and seek immediate shelter in secure areas.

Despite the heavy rainfall, Delhi’s minimum temperature was recorded at 29°C, which is 1.5°C above the average for this time of year, while the relative humidity stood at 71% at 8:30 am. The maximum temperature is projected to hover around 34°C through the day.

As per IMD observations, rainfall levels measured across various stations were: 10 mm at Safdarjung, 5 mm at Lodhi Road, 41 mm at Pusa, 15 mm at Narayana, and 23 mm at Ayanagar.

The department has now issued a yellow alert valid until Thursday, predicting continued thunderstorms, lightning, light to moderate rainfall, and thundersqualls with wind gusts reaching 50–60 kmph, especially at night.

Meanwhile, the air quality in the capital stayed in the ‘satisfactory’ range on Tuesday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 96, as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.

Citizens are urged to follow verified updates from the IMD website and trusted news sources for the latest weather-related advisories.