Delhi, Gurugram drenched as IMD upgrades weather warning to red alert

New Delhi: Heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds battered Delhi and Gurugram on Tuesday afternoon after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) upgraded its weather warning from an orange alert to a red alert for the national capital. The intense downpour, which followed hours of overcast skies, inundated several roads across Delhi-NCR, slowing traffic and disrupting normal life. Commuters faced long delays as rainwater accumulated at several low-lying stretches, while visibility dropped sharply during the heaviest spells. The IMD said heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and winds of 40-50 kmph gusting up to 60 kmph, is likely over most parts of Delhi. The weather department warned of localised flooding, waterlogging and disruption to road transport, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and follow advisories issued by disaster management authorities. Neighbouring Gurugram also witnessed heavy rainfall, with several stretches reporting waterlogging as the monsoon intensified over the NCR. The IMD has forecast heavy rain across Haryana, including Gurugram, over the next two days as the active monsoon system continues to influence the region. The red alert is the highest level of weather warning issued by the IMD and indicates the likelihood of severe weather that could significantly disrupt daily life. Civic agencies have been asked to remain on high alert, particularly in flood-prone and low-lying areas. The rain brought much-needed relief from the hot and humid conditions that had prevailed over Delhi-NCR in recent days, with temperatures expected to remain below normal over the next 24 to 48 hours. The IMD has advised residents to stay indoors during intense thunderstorms, avoid sheltering under trees or near electric poles, and check traffic conditions before heading out as more spells of heavy rain are expected through the day.