Heavy rain lashes Delhi-NCR, IMD puts region under orange alert

New Delhi: Heavy rain lashed Delhi-NCR on Thursday morning, triggering waterlogging, traffic disruption and flight advisories as the India Meteorological Department placed the region under an orange alert for more showers through the day. Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and other NCR areas received intense spells of rain after Wednesday’s showers, bringing relief from humid weather but also slowing movement across several roads. Reports citing IMD said heavy rain could continue over the next 24 hours, with rainfall in the range of 180 mm to 250 mm possible in parts of the region. The wet spell is expected to continue for the next few days. The extended forecast indicated that monsoon activity over Delhi-NCR could persist till July 13, keeping the risk of waterlogging and traffic disruption alive in low-lying and congested areas. Gurugram remained one of the worst-affected NCR cities. The city recorded 115 mm rain over 33 hours, leading to waterlogging and traffic chaos in several areas. Police presence was increased on NH-48 to manage traffic after the rain hit peak commuting hours. A separate Gurugram forecast said a yellow alert would remain in place till July 10. The rain also brought down the maximum temperature sharply, with reports saying it dropped nine degrees below normal. Flight operations were also affected by the weather. Air India and IndiGo issued travel advisories after heavy showers hit Delhi, Noida and Gurugram, asking passengers to check flight status before leaving for the airport. The rain improved Delhi’s air quality. Moderate showers on Wednesday helped the city record its best AQI in 10 months, with the rain washing out pollutants and reducing the combined stress of heat, humidity and poor air. The improvement in air quality, however, came with civic disruption. Waterlogging was reported in low-lying areas across Delhi-NCR, while traffic moved slowly on several arterial stretches. In Gurugram, prolonged rain again exposed the city’s drainage pressure during heavy monsoon spells. The IMD alert means residents should expect more spells of rain and possible thunderstorms during the day. Roads prone to flooding, underpasses, service lanes and stretches near construction sites are likely to remain vulnerable if the rain continues. Gurugram and Delhi-Gurugram traffic are likely to remain sensitive to fresh showers, especially around NH-48, Cyber City, Udyog Vihar, Sohna Road, Golf Course Extension Road and low-lying sectors. In Noida and Ghaziabad, the risk is similar for underpasses, internal sector roads and traffic-heavy stretches connecting residential areas with office corridors. Even short intense spells can slow traffic where drainage is already under pressure. The latest rain has also brought down temperatures after days of humidity. But with the monsoon active over the region, the relief from heat is likely to be accompanied by intermittent disruption through the week.