Heavy rain lashes Delhi again; IMD upgrades alert, more showers likely through the day

New Delhi: Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) are likely to receive more rainfall over the next three days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for moderate to heavy showers in parts of the capital.

Meanwhile, at around 9.15 am, the IMD issued a red alert for parts of southeast Delhi, an orange alert for southwest Delhi and central parts of the city, and a yellow alert for northern areas, with the warnings remaining in effect until around noon.

"Thunderstorm/ Lightning with Heavy Rain very likely over parts of South East Delhi, East Delhi, Shahadra, Central Delhi, North East Delhi, South Delhi, New Delhi, South West Delhi, West Delhi, North West Delhi," the IMD said.

The fresh forecast comes after widespread rain on Thursday brought much-needed relief from humid weather but also caused waterlogging and traffic disruptions across several parts of the city.

According to the IMD, light to moderate rainfall is expected to continue through the weekend across Delhi-NCR. The weather department has also warned of a low to moderate risk of flash flooding in some watersheds and low-lying areas over the next 24 hours.

Thursday's persistent rainfall significantly lowered temperatures, making it one of the coolest days of the season so far.

The IMD said Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 27.6 degrees Celsius on Thursday, down sharply from 32.6 degrees Celsius the previous day and well below the seasonal normal of 34.2 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature was 25.6 degrees Celsius, resulting in a difference of just 2 degrees Celsius between the day's maximum and minimum temperatures.

Heavy showers began early Thursday, prompting the IMD to issue an orange alert.

Among the city's weather stations, Lodhi Road recorded the highest rainfall at 60.4 mm, followed by Safdarjung with 56 mm and Delhi Ridge with 54.4 mm. The IMD classifies rainfall between 15.6 mm and 64.4 mm as moderate rainfall.

The rain led to waterlogging in several areas, with the Public Works Department (PWD) receiving complaints from Press Enclave Marg, Defence Colony, Kanjhawala and Palla. Water accumulation was also reported in parts of Karkardooma, Saraswati Vihar in Pitampura and several stretches of Dwarka, disrupting traffic movement.

Meanwhile, Gurugram Police advised corporate offices and private establishments on Thursday to allow employees to work from home to reduce congestion and ensure smoother movement of emergency services.