Delhi: Severe waterlogging, traffic jams across city after heavy rainfall; more showers predicted

Heavy rainfall drenched parts of the capital on Monday, leading to significant waterlogging and widespread traffic disruptions across the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert, forecasting light to moderate showers throughout the day, with the possibility of rain continuing until Thursday.

The Safdarjung meteorological station, which serves as a key indicator of Delhi’s weather, recorded trace rainfall in the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 a.m. on Monday. However, private weather forecaster Skymet’s Vice President Mahesh Palawat indicated that the city is expected to experience light rain at most locations until Thursday, with moderate rainfall likely in some areas.

“There was a temporary break in rain as the [monsoon] trough moved closer to central India due to a deep depression. With the trough back in Delhi from the early hours of Monday, there will again be cloudy skies and rain,” Palawat said.

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Delhi has recorded 882.1 mm of annual rainfall so far this year, with 837.4 mm occurring during the monsoon months of June, July, and August. The IMD has predicted above-normal rainfall in northwest India for September, with the city expected to surpass 1,000 mm in annual rainfall. The long-period average rainfall for September in Delhi is 123.4 mm.

Monday’s downpour resulted in severe waterlogging in several areas, including prominent locations such as India Gate, Janpath Road, R.K. Puram, Kalindi Kunj, and Gandhinagar. The waterlogging led to significant traffic disruptions, causing inconvenience for commuters during the morning rush hour.

The Delhi Traffic Police issued multiple updates on X (formerly Twitter) to inform the public about the traffic situation. In one of their posts, they stated, “Traffic is affected on NH-48 in both the carriageways from Dhaula Kuan towards Mahipalpur and vice-versa due to heavy waterlogging at GGR/PDR. Kindly plan your journey accordingly”

In another update, the Traffic Police warned, “Traffic is affected on Ring Road in the carriageway from DND towards Moolchand Underpass due to waterlogging near Gupta Market Lajpat Nagar. Kindly plan your journey accordingly.”

Similarly, they highlighted issues at the Okhla Underpass, stating, “Traffic is affected in both the carriageways from Road No. 13 towards Okhla Estate Road and vice-versa due to waterlogging. Commuters are advised to plan their journey accordingly”.

The Outer Ring Road was also impacted, with the Traffic Police noting, “Traffic is affected on Outer Ring Road in both the carriageways from Savitri Flyover towards Paras Chowk and vice-versa due to waterlogging. Kindly plan your journey accordingly”.

Additionally, heavy waterlogging near the Satya Niketan Bus Stand caused disruptions on Ring Road from Safdarjung towards Dhaula Kuan, with the Traffic Police advising, “Commuters should plan their journey accordingly”.

Furthermore, they updated about MB Road, said, “Traffic is affected on MB Road in the carriageway from Badarpur towards Mehrauli due to waterlogging near SDM South office. Commuters are advised to plan their journey accordingly”.

Despite the rain, the city’s minimum temperature remained normal for the season at 26.2 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature is expected to settle around 34 degrees Celsius, according to the IMD. The humidity level at 8:30 a.m. stood at 88%.

In terms of air quality, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 83 in the “satisfactory” category as of 11 a.m., according to the Central Pollution Control Board. An AQI between 51 and 100 is considered “satisfactory,” indicating that air quality remains within acceptable limits despite the rainy conditions.