Heavy monsoon showers lashed Delhi-NCR on Tuesday, bringing relief from heat and humidity. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for parts of Delhi, forecasting more rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds, while warning of possible waterlogging and traffic disruptions.
Key Highlights
- Delhi-NCR receives widespread rainfall as monsoon activity intensifies.
- IMD issues Orange Alert for parts of Delhi with more rain and strong winds forecast.
- Safdarjung records 32.4 mm rainfall; Ridge and Lodhi Road receive over 36 mm.
- AQI improves to 77, remaining in the ‘Satisfactory’ category.
New Delhi, July 28: Delhi-NCR witnessed widespread monsoon rainfall on Tuesday as thick clouds covered the region and steady showers brought much-needed relief from persistent heat and humidity. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an Orange Alert for parts of the national capital, warning of more rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds over the next few hours. According to IMD data, Safdarjung, Delhi’s primary weather station, recorded 32.4 mm of rainfall till 8:30 a.m., while the Ridge received 37.6 mm, Lodhi Road recorded 36.7 mm, Ayanagar measured 4 mm, and Palam received 0.8 mm of rain.
Several parts of the city, including the Kartavya Path area, experienced continuous showers during the morning, significantly improving weather conditions after days of oppressive humidity. However, civic authorities have advised residents to remain cautious, as heavy rain may lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas, traffic congestion and reduced visibility on major roads. Commuters have been urged to plan their journeys carefully as intermittent heavy spells could disrupt normal movement across the city.
The IMD has forecast generally cloudy skies throughout the day, with light rainfall at most places and moderate showers likely at isolated locations during the morning and afternoon. Another spell of rain is expected during the evening or night, while moderate rainfall, thunderstorms and overcast conditions are likely to continue over the coming days. Meteorologists expect the increased monsoon activity to reduce daytime temperatures by 2–3°C from Monday’s maximum of 38.1°C recorded at Safdarjung, providing sustained relief from the recent heatwave-like conditions.
The rainy weather has also contributed to an improvement in Delhi’s air quality. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 77 at 9 a.m., placing it in the ‘Satisfactory’ category. Weather experts attributed the widespread rainfall to a deep depression that formed near the West Bengal coast and crossed the West Bengal–North Odisha coastline near Digha and west of Haldia, strengthening the southwest monsoon over northern India. The weather system also brought rainfall to several districts in Punjab and Haryana, including Ludhiana, Bathinda, Jalandhar, Mohali, Karnal, Sonipat, Ambala and Bhiwani, where showers provided relief from high temperatures but caused localized waterlogging and traffic disruptions.
With the IMD’s Orange Alert remaining in effect, Delhi-NCR is likely to witness more rainfall over the coming days. While the showers are expected to keep temperatures lower and improve air quality, residents should remain alert for waterlogging, traffic delays and intermittent thunderstorms.
