The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Delhi, predicting moderate rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, which are expected to lead to widespread waterlogging and significant traffic disruptions in various parts of the city. The alert, which covers most of the national capital, has been issued for the next few hours, warning residents to brace for weather-related difficulties. The IMD has emphasized the need for caution, as the heavy downpours are likely to cause localized flooding, making it challenging for commuters to navigate key roads and thoroughfares.
Rain began to drench parts of Delhi on Friday afternoon, with central and southern regions experiencing the brunt of the downpour. The weather department anticipates that light to moderate rainfall will continue for several hours, contributing to the overcast skies. Thursday night's heavy rains already created issues in many areas, with waterlogged streets and traffic snarls, and today's forecast suggests further disruptions are likely. Key roads, including National Highway 48, Lala Lajpat Rai Marg, Outer Ring Road, and Rohtak Road, have seen heavy traffic congestion due to submerged streets, prompting the Delhi Traffic Police to issue frequent updates. They have advised commuters to avoid waterlogged areas and seek alternate routes wherever possible.
At the Indira Gandhi International Airport, both arrivals and departures have faced delays due to the persistent rain. While no cancellations have been reported yet, airlines have begun issuing advisories to passengers, urging them to stay informed about potential changes to their travel plans.
The rain also brought a significant drop in the minimum temperature, which fell to 21.4°C, about four degrees below the average for this time of year. Safdarjung, Delhi's main weather station, recorded 29.6 mm of rainfall, with other stations such as the Ridge, Delhi University, and Lodhi Road reporting considerable rain as well. The IMD has predicted that the maximum temperature in Delhi will likely reach around 30°C later in the day.
Beyond the local disruptions, the IMD has also issued warnings for several other regions across India, signaling the potential for severe weather conditions. Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Mizoram, and Tripura are all on alert for very heavy rainfall today, September 13. In Uttarakhand, the IMD has identified multiple districts—including Almora, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Champawat, Nainital, Pauri Garhwal, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal, Udham Singh Nagar, and Uttarkashi—as areas with a moderate to high risk of flash flooding. The heavy rainfall is expected to exacerbate conditions in these watersheds and nearby regions, raising concerns about potential flash floods.
Similarly, certain districts in Himachal Pradesh, particularly Shimla and Sirmaur, have been flagged for flash flood risks. The IMD has also extended flash flood warnings to several districts in West Bengal, including South and North 24 Parganas, East and West Medinipur, Haora, Hugli, Nadia, and Bankura, where the risk of flash floods ranges from low to moderate. In Mizoram and Tripura, districts such as Saiha, Lunglei, Serchhip, Champhai, Aizawl, Mamit, and Lawngtlai are also expected to face heavy rainfall and flash flood risks.
In addition to these alerts, the IMD has predicted rough sea conditions over the north Bay of Bengal from September 13 to 15. During this period, fishermen operating in this area have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea due to the dangerous weather and rough waves. The IMD's warning underscores the potential hazards in these waters, urging caution to those working in coastal regions or planning to travel by sea.
Overall, the IMD’s alerts highlight the significant weather events affecting several parts of India, from the urban challenges of waterlogging and traffic disruptions in Delhi to the more serious threats of flash floods in the Himalayan and northeastern regions. The weather conditions over the next few days are expected to be critical, with residents across affected areas being advised to remain vigilant and follow official guidance.
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