Delhi drowns in rain: Waterlogging, traffic jams hit city as IMD issues red alert

New Delhi: Heavy rain lashed Delhi on Tuesday morning, leading to waterlogged roads, flooded markets and widespread traffic congestion across the national capital. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert warning of thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rainfall over the next few hours.

The weather office forecast a generally cloudy sky with intense spells of rain for the rest of the day. Several parts of Delhi witnessed water accumulation, especially in low-lying areas, affecting commuters and daily activities.

Waterlogging was reported from major locations including Connaught Place, Janpath, roads in Lutyens' Delhi, Bharat Mandapam Road, Barakhamba Road, Mathura Road near ITO, Kalindi Kunj and other areas.

Large pools of rainwater slowed traffic movement at several intersections, forcing motorists to drive cautiously through flooded stretches. Several arterial roads witnessed long traffic queues due to reduced visibility and waterlogged routes.

Social media videos showed severe waterlogging in parts of the city. Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj shared a video from Sadar Bazar, one of Delhi's busiest wholesale markets, where rainwater reached significant levels and affected schoolchildren, office workers and shoppers.

PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh shared a video of traffic movement on Minto Bridge and said efforts were being made to manage the impact of monsoon rainfall.

Traffic congestion was reported on several important stretches, including Greater Kailash-II towards Savitri Cinema, Chirag Dilli, Hauz Khas, RK Puram, Sangam Vihar-Khanpur route via MB Road, NH-8 near Shankar Vihar, Zakir Hussain Road, Delhi Cantt-Naraina Flyover-Mayapuri stretch, ITO, Peeragarhi, NH-48 near AIIMS, Delhi-Noida Road, Kalindi Kunj and Vikas Marg.

Rainfall data showed heavy showers across multiple weather stations between 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. Pusa recorded the highest rainfall at 80 mm, followed by Janakpuri at 72 mm, Lodi Road at 63.4 mm, Chhatarpur at 57.5 mm and Safdarjung at 51 mm.

Other areas also recorded significant rainfall, including Ayanagar at 50.1 mm, Narayana at 44 mm, Ridge at 37.3 mm, Mayur Vihar at 33.5 mm and Palam at 26 mm.

The rainfall brought down temperatures across several parts of the city. Safdarjung recorded a minimum temperature of 25.5 degrees Celsius, which was 1.8 degrees below normal. Palam recorded 25 degrees Celsius, while Ridge recorded the lowest minimum temperature among major stations at 23.2 degrees Celsius.

The IMD advised residents to remain cautious as thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rainfall were expected to continue in the capital region.