Delhi-NCR is preparing for one of the most intense monsoon spells of the season, with meteorologists warning that isolated areas could receive between 180 mm and 250 mm of rainfall over the next 24 hours, until midnight on July 10.
Heavy rain began around midnight on July 9, leading to widespread waterlogging and major disruptions to morning traffic across the region. The showers also brought a welcome drop in temperatures after days of oppressive humidity.
Rain lashed Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad through Wednesday night and into Thursday, inundating several underpasses and low-lying areas as drainage systems struggled to handle the persistent downpour. Weather experts expect the intensity of the rainfall to increase further during the day.
According to meteorologists, rainfall will vary across the National Capital Region. Eastern and northeastern parts of Delhi, along with Noida and Ghaziabad, are likely to witness the heaviest showers, with isolated locations expected to receive 180–250 mm of rain by midnight.
Central and South Delhi, Faridabad and eastern Gurugram are forecast to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall. Western and southwestern Delhi, as well as western Gurugram, are also expected to receive significant rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds.
Experts attribute the ongoing spell to an active southwest monsoon supported by a favourable combination of weather systems over north India, including a western disturbance. Moisture-laden winds from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are continuously feeding rain-bearing clouds, resulting in prolonged and widespread rainfall instead of isolated showers.
The downpour follows a period of extremely humid weather in Delhi, when the "feels like" temperature approached 49°C despite considerably lower actual temperatures. While the rain has provided relief from the heat, it has also heightened the risk of urban flooding, traffic congestion and disruptions to public transport.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has advised residents to avoid waterlogged roads, refrain from taking shelter under trees during thunderstorms, and stay updated with official weather advisories, as conditions may change rapidly. With heavy rain expected to persist until July 10, authorities remain on alert for further flooding and travel disruptions across Delhi-NCR.
