Heavy showers bring Delhi to standstill, trigger traffic chaos
Heavy rain lashed Delhi on Monday, August 24, leaving several parts of the national capital waterlogged and causing widespread traffic disruptions. Gusty winds and intense showers brought parts of the city to a standstill, with some areas recording nearly 67 mm of rainfall.
Several major roads and stretches, including parts of Lutyens’ Delhi, Mathura Road, Connaught Place, Bhairon Marg, ITO and the Zakhira underpass, were inundated. The waterlogging led to severe traffic congestion and caused difficulties for commuters and pedestrians.
Videos circulating on social media showed students wading through waist-deep water in Sangam Vihar. Similar scenes were reported from Sadar Bazar, where residents struggled through accumulated rainwater. Waterlogging was also reported in Kamla Nagar, Sangam Vihar, Bhalswa, CR Park, Alaknanda and New Ashok Nagar.
According to rainfall data available until 1.15 pm, Janakpuri recorded the highest rainfall at 67 mm, followed by Chhatarpur with 57 mm, Pitampura with 35 mm and Safdarjung with 29 mm.
Between 8.30 am and 11.30 am, Chhatarpur recorded 28 mm of rain, while Lodi Road received 24.6 mm and Pitampura 18.5 mm. The Ridge recorded 5 mm, Mayur Vihar 1.5 mm, Safdarjung 1 mm and Ayanagar 0.1 mm during the period.
The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in the capital for several hours. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph were also forecast across parts of Delhi.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms were reported from several areas, including South East Delhi, East Delhi, Shahdara, Central Delhi, North East Delhi, South Delhi, New Delhi, South West Delhi, West Delhi, North West Delhi and North Delhi.
Meanwhile, Safdarjung recorded a minimum temperature of 27.8°C, which was 1.4 degrees above normal. The Ridge recorded the city’s lowest minimum temperature at 24°C.
