Delhi-NCR is facing another spell of unsettled monsoon weather, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting rain and thunderstorms across the national capital and neighbouring areas on Tuesday, August 25. The warning comes after heavy rainfall on Monday caused widespread waterlogging, severe traffic congestion and major disruptions to flight operations.
The latest forecast has raised concerns among commuters and residents, particularly in low-lying areas that remain vulnerable to water accumulation after intense showers.
IMD forecasts rain and thunderstorms
According to the weather forecast, Delhi is likely to experience cloudy conditions with periods of rain and thunderstorms. Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad and Ghaziabad are also expected to receive showers, with some areas potentially witnessing moderate rainfall.
The weather system is expected to remain active during the morning and afternoon hours, with lightning accompanying some spells. Residents have been advised to remain cautious during thunderstorms and avoid unnecessary exposure in open areas during lightning activity.
The latest spell follows several days of active monsoon conditions over north India. The IMD has indicated that rainfall activity is expected to continue across parts of the region, making further disruption possible.
Heavy rain brings Delhi-NCR to a standstill
Monday’s rainfall created widespread problems across Delhi-NCR. Several roads were waterlogged, while traffic crawled on important routes as commuters struggled to reach their destinations.
The intense showers also affected visibility and road conditions, increasing difficulties for motorists. In several locations, accumulated water slowed traffic considerably and created long queues.
Noida and Ghaziabad also reported waterlogging, particularly in areas where drainage systems struggled to cope with the volume of rainfall. Reports from the region highlighted the impact on residential areas and local roads.
The latest disruption has once again brought attention to the recurring problem of urban flooding in the National Capital Region during periods of intense monsoon rainfall.
Flight operations disrupted at Delhi airport
The severe weather also affected air travel from Delhi. At least 15 Delhi-bound flights were diverted on Monday because of adverse weather conditions.
Heavy rain, thunderstorms and poor visibility created operational challenges for airlines and airport authorities. Passengers were advised to check flight schedules before travelling to the airport and allow additional time for their journeys.
With more rain forecast for Tuesday, further delays or operational changes cannot be ruled out if thunderstorms intensify around the airport.
The disruption highlights how rapidly severe weather can affect transportation networks in the capital, with road congestion adding further difficulties for passengers trying to reach the airport.
Gurugram issues work-from-home advisory
Gurugram has taken additional precautionary measures following the severe rainfall. The district administration advised corporate offices, government departments, schools and private institutions to facilitate work-from-home arrangements on August 25 wherever possible.
The advisory was issued amid concerns over waterlogging and traffic congestion. Authorities said reducing unnecessary movement would help ease pressure on roads and allow civic agencies to carry out drainage and road-related work more effectively.
The move is particularly significant for Gurugram, where heavy monsoon showers frequently result in major traffic disruptions on key roads connecting the city with Delhi and other parts of the NCR.
Noida and Ghaziabad also face disruption
The impact of the rainfall has extended beyond Delhi and Gurugram. Noida and Ghaziabad have also experienced waterlogging and difficult road conditions following the heavy showers.
Several areas around NCR villages were particularly affected, with flooded roads and clogged drainage systems creating problems for residents. In Ghaziabad, an auto-rickshaw overturned amid the difficult conditions, underlining the safety risks created by waterlogged roads.
Authorities across the region are therefore keeping a close watch on vulnerable locations as another round of rain is expected.
Commuters urged to exercise caution
The combination of saturated roads, standing water and heavy traffic could create fresh challenges for commuters on Tuesday. People travelling by road have been advised to allow extra time and avoid routes that are known to experience waterlogging.
Motorists should also exercise caution near underpasses, low-lying roads and stretches where drainage is inadequate. During thunderstorms, residents should avoid standing near trees, poles and other exposed structures.
For air passengers, checking flight status before leaving home will be particularly important given Monday’s diversions and the possibility of further weather-related disruption.
Monsoon remains a major challenge for Delhi-NCR
The latest rainfall episode once again demonstrates the vulnerability of Delhi-NCR’s transport and drainage infrastructure to intense monsoon showers.
While rain provides relief from heat and humidity, concentrated downpours can quickly overwhelm drainage networks and trigger cascading problems across roads, public transport and aviation.
With the IMD forecasting another round of rain and thunderstorms on Tuesday, Delhi and its neighbouring cities remain on alert. Residents are likely to face another challenging day, particularly if rainfall becomes intense during peak commuting hours.
Authorities and civic agencies are expected to continue monitoring waterlogged locations and responding to weather-related emergencies as the monsoon remains active across the region.
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