New Delhi: On Wednesday (July 23), Delhi experienced heavy rainfall in the early morning, resulting in extensive waterlogging and traffic jams across various parts of the city. Although the rain provided a much-needed break from the persistent humidity, it also hindered the morning commute for numerous residents. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted generally overcast skies with light to moderate rain and thunderstorms throughout the day.

Major routes choke in Delhi-NCR amid heavy rainfall

Ongoing rainfall since the previous night has led to significant traffic congestion throughout Delhi-NCR, particularly impacting those traveling from Noida to Delhi. Key locations such as the DND Flyway, Film City, and Sector 36 are experiencing slow-moving traffic, primarily due to waterlogging on the roads and stalled two-wheelers causing bottlenecks. Ground visuals depict challenging driving conditions, with both bikers and pedestrians struggling to navigate through waterlogged areas.

Rain paralyses Central Delhi, waterlogging near Secretariat triggers traffic jam

A short burst of rain on Wednesday morning was sufficient to disrupt daily life in central Delhi. Severe waterlogging and traffic jams were reported just behind the Delhi Secretariat, causing significant inconvenience for office workers during peak hours. Commuters were observed attempting to wade through flooded streets, with many vehicles breaking down due to water accumulation.

Eyewitnesses noted that an auto-rickshaw became stranded in the water, while several cars stalled in the affected region. Locals voiced their frustration over the inadequate drainage system and the effect of even brief rain on the city’s infrastructure. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Delhi, cautioning residents about heavy rainfall and advising them to stay vigilant.

IMD predicts rainy week ahead for the national capital

According to the IMD, Delhi is expected to continue experiencing rain until July 28, with temperatures fluctuating between 23°C and 36°C. Light to moderate rainfall, along with thunderstorms and lightning, is anticipated to persist over the coming days, keeping cloudy conditions throughout the week.

In South India, isolated heavy to very heavy rain is forecasted for Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana (with particularly heavy rain on July 23), as well as Yanam from July 23 to 28.

In West India, heavy to very heavy rainfall is predicted for Konkan & Goa and the Ghat regions of Madhya Maharashtra from July 23 to 28. Marathwada is expected to experience heavy showers on July 26, while Gujarat may face intense rain from July 26 to 28.

Central and East India: Areas such as Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand are all likely to receive isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall throughout the week.

In North India, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are likely to see significant rainfall from July 23 to 28, with very heavy rain on July 23. Rain is also anticipated in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan during this timeframe.

Strong winds and thunderstorms are expected in many regions. The IMD has issued a warning for strong surface winds (40-50 kmph) over South Peninsular India for the next five days. Furthermore, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely in various parts of the Western Himalayan region and scattered areas of the plains.

Authorities in multiple states have been urged to remain vigilant and implement precautionary measures as India prepares for an extended period of monsoon activity.