Delhi Rain Triggers Traffic Snarls; IMD Issues ‘Orange’ Alert

Delhi woke up to widespread rainfall on Friday, causing severe traffic congestion across various parts of the city and its adjoining regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ‘orange’ alert, urging residents to stay prepared as the city continues to witness heavy showers.

Rainfall and Traffic Disruptions

The IMD reported that the rain began around 2:30 am in Delhi-NCR, with data recorded till 11:30 am showing significant rainfall at several key locations. Safdarjung, the city’s primary weather station, logged 9.1 mm of rainfall, while Palam recorded 8.4 mm. Other areas such as Lodhi Road, Ridge, Delhi University, and Pusa saw rainfall ranging from 9 mm to 11 mm.

Visuals from the Burari area revealed heavy waterlogging, exacerbating traffic snarls as rain continued to lash parts of the capital. PTI reported similar scenes in other pockets of the city, with commuters facing delays during the morning rush.

Weather Conditions and Forecast

According to the IMD, the rainfall is attributed to an active western disturbance interacting with easterly winds. This system has triggered light to moderate rain and thunderstorms across northwest and central India, including Delhi-NCR. The minimum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 11°C, 2.8°C above the seasonal average.

Air Quality Concerns Persist

Despite the rainfall, Delhi’s air quality remains a challenge. The Air Quality Index (AQI) at 9 am stood at 372, categorized as ‘very poor’ by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The 24-hour AQI was recorded at 345 on Thursday, indicating marginal improvement but still falling short of satisfactory levels.

Following this, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked Stage IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) earlier this week. However, restrictions under Stages I, II, and III remain in force to curb further air quality deterioration.

As Delhi grapples with waterlogged streets and poor air quality, residents are advised to exercise caution while commuting. The IMD’s orange alert signals continued rainfall, urging preparedness for potential disruptions over the coming days.