The national capital and its adjoining regions witnessed heavy rainfall on Thursday, July 10, bringing a much-needed drop in temperature and a breath of fresh air for Delhiites reeling under intense summer heat. However, the monsoon showers also brought typical challenges: waterlogging, traffic congestion, and a red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

As the Delhi-NCR region continues to experience unstable weather patterns, the IMD has warned residents of continued rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds over the next few days. A “red alert” remains in effect, prompting civic agencies and commuters to stay vigilant.

Relief from Heat as Rainfall Cools Delhi

The downpour on Thursday brought a noticeable drop in temperature, offering respite to residents who had been struggling with soaring heat and humidity. The mercury dipped to a comfortable 33-35°C, while the humidity levels remained high, fluctuating between 80-90%. Cloudy skies and cool breezes added to the pleasant atmosphere, especially in the early morning and late evening hours.

Waterlogging and Traffic Chaos in Key Areas

While the showers brought relief, they also triggered heavy waterlogging in several parts of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad. Roads across major intersections were submerged, leading to long traffic snarls during peak commute hours. Pedestrians and motorists alike struggled to navigate flooded streets.

Some of the most affected areas included:

• Delhi: Loni Dehat, Hindon Air Force Station

• Uttar Pradesh: Ghaziabad, Indirapuram, Chhapraula, Noida, Dadri, Greater Noida, Modinagar, Hapur, Sikandrabad

• Haryana: Faridabad, Ballabhgarh, Sonipat, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Kharkhoda, Rewari, Palwal, Bawal, Nuh, Sohana

• Rajasthan: Bhiwadi

Civic bodies in these regions have been working to clear blocked drains and deploy pumps in low-lying areas, but the volume of rainfall has overwhelmed infrastructure in several zones.

IMD Issues Red Alert, Predicts More Rainfall Ahead

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a “red alert” for Delhi-NCR, signaling the possibility of intense rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and wind speeds ranging from 30-40 km/h. This warning will remain in effect until Sunday, July 13, as per the latest bulletin.

IMD Forecast for the Next 3 Days:

• Friday, July 11: Cloudy skies with moderate rainfall and isolated thunderstorms

• Saturday, July 12: Light to moderate rain with possible gusty winds

• Sunday, July 13: Intermittent showers with high humidity

The IMD has urged residents to stay indoors during storm activity, avoid waterlogged zones, and take necessary precautions, especially in flood-prone areas.

Why the Red Alert Matters

A red alert from IMD is the most serious weather warning and indicates the likelihood of severe conditions that may disrupt daily life and pose potential risks to life and property. It is particularly important for:

• Emergency services to remain on standby

• Civic bodies to ensure drainage and flood management systems are functioning

• Commuters to avoid non-essential travel

• Residents in low-lying or flood-prone areas to take safety measures

Impact on Daily Life and Commuters

The heavy rains disrupted morning and evening commute for thousands across Delhi-NCR. Metro services ran mostly on time, but there were delays reported on roads due to traffic jams, fallen trees, and poor visibility.

Office-goers and school students faced difficulties navigating through flooded roads and overflowing drains. Delivery services and public transport were also affected in patches, especially in outer Delhi and NCR towns like Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Greater Noida.

Public Advisory and Safety Tips

Authorities have advised citizens to follow these monsoon safety guidelines:

• Stay indoors during lightning or thunderstorm activity

• Avoid underpasses and roads known for waterlogging

• Keep electronic devices safe from moisture

• Stay updated via IMD app, news portals, or civic body social media handles

• Don’t touch exposed electrical wires or poles during rain

Climate Context: Heavier Monsoons in Urban India

Delhi and surrounding regions have been experiencing erratic monsoon patterns over recent years, a trend attributed to climate change and rapid urbanization. Experts warn that urban flooding, like what is being witnessed in Delhi-NCR, may become more frequent unless city infrastructure is upgraded to handle extreme rainfall.

The Delhi government has already announced the deployment of emergency response teams and asked municipal corporations to remain alert throughout the weekend.

What to Expect Next

According to the IMD, rainfall in Delhi-NCR will continue till Sunday, July 13, with the possibility of localized flooding and temporary disruption to daily routines. However, the good news is that temperatures are likely to remain moderate, and the air quality has shown slight improvement due to the rain.

The monsoon season in Delhi-NCR has arrived in full swing, bringing both welcome relief from the heat and the usual urban challenges. As rainfall continues, residents are advised to stay updated and exercise caution. The coming days will test the city’s preparedness, but also provide some respite from the scorching summer.

Stay tuned to KKNLive.com for the latest weather updates, live news, and on-ground reports from across Delhi-NCR.