‘Massive rain event’ warning as Delhi-NCR sees nonstop downpour; residents urged to stay indoors

Torrential overnight rain lashed Delhi-NCR on Thursday, triggering widespread waterlogging, massive traffic snarls and commuter disruption across Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for the national capital.

The IMD warned of extremely heavy rainfall across all districts of Delhi, while Noida, Ghaziabad, Meerut and Gurugram remained under an orange alert, with more intense showers expected through the day.

Weather observers said Delhi-NCR is entering a “massive rainfall event” driven by a low-pressure system over north India. According to amateur weather forecaster Navdeep Dahiya, the next 12 to 24 hours are likely to witness persistent light-to-moderate rain interspersed with heavy downpours.

Eastern parts of the NCR—including Noida, Ghaziabad, north and east Delhi—could receive up to 200 mm of rainfall, while central, west and south Delhi, along with Faridabad, may record 100-150 mm. Gurugram is expected to receive 70-150 mm of rain.

Another weather tracker, India Skymet Weather, forecast 180-250 mm of rainfall over east Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Baghpat and Meerut as the low-pressure system moves across the region.

The relentless rain brought several parts of Delhi-NCR to a standstill. Roads in Gurugram, including the Delhi-Jaipur Highway service lane, Sohna Road, Basai, Kadipur and Pataudi Road, remained submerged, with numerous vehicles breaking down in flooded stretches. Several private companies advised employees to work from home amid severe traffic congestion.

Civic agencies, including the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG), Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) and police, deployed emergency teams to clear waterlogged roads and manage traffic.

According to the IMD, Mehrauli recorded the highest rainfall in Delhi at 83 mm, followed by Lodi Road (79 mm) and Pusa (73 mm). In the NCR, Ghaziabad’s Kamla Nehru Nagar received 143 mm, the highest in the region during the latest spell.

Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, remain alert for waterlogging and traffic disruptions, and follow official weather advisories as heavy rain is expected to continue over the coming days.