Next 12 Hours Critical: IMD Warns Of Massive Rain, Traffic Chaos Across Delhi, Ghaziabad, Gurugram

New Delhi: As rain continues in Delhi on Thursday after Tuesday and Wednesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the capital. It has also warned of strong thunderstorms, strong winds up to 60 km/h, and heavy rain. The city recorded 34.9 mm of rain between 2:30 am and 5:30 am alone, leading to waterlogging in several areas, including New Delhi Railway Station and Munirka.

After weeks of a weakening southwest monsoon, an active weather system has brought heavy rain to Delhi. According to weather experts, this is the heaviest rainfall of the season. The IMD estimates that Delhi may receive 180 to 230 mm of rain throughout the day. Heavy rains could worsen the situation in areas already flooded.

How is the weather in Delhi?

The incessant rain has caused minor waterlogging in several low-lying areas of Delhi. Several main roads and intersections, including Munirka and New Delhi Railway Station, have been the worst affected.

Delhi's minimum temperature was recorded at 25.8 degrees Celsius at around 2:30 am on Thursday. Winds remained very slow during this time. The IMD has issued a "red alert" for all districts of Delhi and several districts of Haryana (such as Faridabad, Panipat, and Sonipat) for the next two to three hours, with thunderstorms, strong winds up to 60 kmph, and heavy rain.

How long will this spell of rain last?

In a post on X, a weatherman said that Delhi-NCR was entering a "massive rainfall event" over the next 24 hours as the region lies in the western quadrant of a low-pressure area.

He said that the next 12 hours would be the most crucial, with consistent light to moderate rain punctuated by frequent heavy downpours.

According to the IMD, the active monsoon system over North India is expected to persist for a few more days. Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, and western Uttar Pradesh are expected to receive significant moderate to heavy rainfall until July 10. However, the rainy season may last longer in northeastern Uttar Pradesh, where intermittent showers are expected until July 13.

Additionally, a warning has been issued for heavy monsoon rains in eastern Rajasthan today. According to the IMD, the effects of the rain may continue in many areas in the coming days.