Delhi Weather Update: Torrential Rainfall Brings Traffic Chaos, Waterlogging Across NCR, Flights Delayed

KKN Gurugram Desk | witnessed a sudden and intense weather reversal late Saturday night and early Sunday morning as heavy rainfall and thunderstorm swept across the region. Residents of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and surrounding areas woke up to thunderous skies, lightning flashes, and waterlogged streets. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert prior to the event, warning of winds up to 100 km/h, which materialized with full force.

While the temperature dropped significantly, offering relief from the sweltering summer heat, the relentless rain created widespread inconvenience—from traffic slowdowns to flight delays and local flooding.

Delhi Sees Power Storms and Rainfall Overnight

The weather event unfolded in two parts:

• Strong winds and thunderstorms first swept through the capital and surrounding districts

• Followed by intense rainfall, leading to cooling but also widespread waterlogging

Many residents reported power cuts, vehicle alarms triggered by thunder, and flooded streets, particularly in low-lying areas such as Dhaula Kuan, Minto Road, and Motibagh.

Traffic Disruption: Vehicles Crawl Through Waterlogged Streets

Though the rain began overnight—avoiding the peak traffic hours—Sunday morning brought its own chaos. As commuters ventured out, several areas were already submerged under knee-deep water, severely impacting vehicular movement.

Key Impacted Areas:

• Minto Road: Known for waterlogging, was completely flooded

• Dhaula Kuan: Heavy water accumulation disrupted traffic flow

• Motibagh: Vehicles seen crawling through waterlogged roads

• Terminal 1 Road (IGI Airport): Experienced heavy water build-up, slowing down traffic to and from the airport

Many pedestrians were seen wading through flooded streets, while two-wheelers struggled to navigate through submerged patches.

Flight Operations at Delhi Airport Disrupted Due to Severe Weather

The heavy downpour and gusty winds didn’t just affect the roads—it also delayed flight operations at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), India’s busiest air hub. According to flight-tracking platform Flightradar24, several IndiGo and other airline flights were delayed or temporarily halted due to bad weather.

Timeline of Events:

• 3:59 AM: IndiGo reports operational delays due to bad weather

• 5:54 AM: Weather clears; normal flight operations resume gradually

• Average delay: 30 minutes to over an hour for multiple domestic and international flights

The airline assured passengers that operations were slowly resuming, though congestion in airspace was still a concern.

IMD’s Red Alert: Forecast Proved Accurate

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for Delhi and surrounding areas, predicting:

• Wind speeds between 60–100 km/h

• Lightning activity

• Sudden drop in temperatures

• Heavy rainfall in short bursts

This warning, released 24 hours earlier, helped mitigate risks as authorities had time to prepare. However, the intensity of the storm still caught many off guard.

Noida and Gurugram: Submerged Streets and Gushing Stormwater

In Noida, heavy rainfall led to instant waterlogging across various sectors. Local colonies and main roads were submerged, and the stormwater drains were overwhelmed within minutes. Strong winds also resulted in fallen branches and temporary power disruptions in parts of the city.

Gurugram, too, saw similar scenes—cars navigating submerged service roads, traffic lights non-functional, and rainfall-induced potholes slowing down commuters.

Storm Impact Across India: From Delhi to Maharashtra and Rajasthan

The weather disturbance wasn’t limited to Delhi-NCR. Several other parts of northern and western India reported weather-related disruptions.

Other Affected States:

Maharashtra:

• Mumbai saw intermittent rain showers

• Slight drop in temperature recorded

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Rajasthan:

• Strong winds uprooted electric poles in areas like Khajuwala

• Tin roofs of shops and homes blown away

• Power outages reported in affected areas

This suggests a larger cyclonic circulation impacting wide swathes of the Indian subcontinent.

Public Reaction: From Shock to Sighs of Relief

While the weather wreaked havoc in some areas, residents welcomed the drop in temperature after battling an intense heatwave for the past few days. Social media was flooded with videos of:

• Flooded streets in central Delhi

• Lightning flashes caught on camera

• Sirens blaring in parking lots due to thunder

• Kids enjoying rain in apartment complexes

However, several residents also expressed frustration over the chronic waterlogging problem, demanding better stormwater infrastructure.

Delhi Government and Municipal Bodies in Action

In the wake of widespread waterlogging, civic agencies including:

• Public Works Department (PWD)

• Delhi Jal Board (DJB)

• Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)

…were deployed to clear clogged drains, deploy de-watering pumps, and assist in managing traffic flow. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) is also monitoring low-lying zones vulnerable to flooding.

Looking Ahead: Weather Forecast for the Week

According to IMD, rain activity may continue intermittently over the next 24 to 48 hours in parts of NCR. However, the intensity is expected to reduce. Weather models suggest:

• Overcast conditions in Delhi till Tuesday

• Possibility of drizzles or light showers in the mornings and late evenings

• Gradual rise in temperature expected mid-week

Citizens are advised to:

• Check weather updates before traveling

• Avoid flooded roads and underpasses

• Keep emergency numbers handy during storms

The May 2025 Delhi-NCR storm has once again exposed the fragility of urban infrastructure in the face of extreme weather. While the rain brought much-needed relief from the heat, it also paralyzed normal life—highlighting the urgent need for:

• Efficient drainage systems

• Real-time disaster response mechanisms

• Public awareness about climate resilience

As climate change continues to make weather patterns more unpredictable, cities like Delhi must invest in smarter, climate-adaptive infrastructure to avoid being waterlogged each monsoon season.