Residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) woke up to heavy rain showers and dense fog on Thursday morning, disrupting daily life across the region. The rainfall, which began late Wednesday night, continued through the early hours, bringing relief from a prolonged dry spell. However, it also caused significant challenges, including reduced visibility and waterlogging in several areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange warning, urging residents to prepare for adverse weather conditions.
The orange warning, a step below the most severe red alert, advises caution as heavy rain, thunderstorms, and dense fog are expected to persist for the next 24 to 48 hours. The IMD predicts continued disruptions, including slippery roads, waterlogging, and travel delays, particularly during early morning and evening hours when visibility is at its lowest. Citizens have been advised to avoid non-essential travel and stay updated on weather alerts.
While the rain has brought much-needed improvement in air quality, waterlogging and fog have caused significant inconvenience. Several areas in Gurugram, Noida, and Central Delhi reported water accumulation, making it difficult for commuters to navigate the streets. Traffic snarls were observed on key routes like Ring Road, Outer Ring Road, and the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway, with local authorities urging drivers to exercise caution due to slippery roads and poor visibility. The dense fog has further worsened conditions, reducing visibility to less than 200 meters in some parts of the region.
According to the IMD, the ongoing rainfall is attributed to a western disturbance—an extratropical storm originating in the Mediterranean that typically brings moisture-laden winds to northern India during the winter months. These systems often cause cloud cover, rain, and temperature drops in the region. Following this spell of rain, temperatures are expected to dip by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius, marking the arrival of a colder phase.
The rain has provided some relief from Delhi-NCR’s persistent air pollution, which had been lingering in the “very poor” to “severe” category for weeks. The rainfall has helped wash away pollutants, resulting in significant improvements in the Air Quality Index (AQI), with several areas now reporting “moderate” or “satisfactory” air quality. Despite this positive impact, commuters and daily travelers are grappling with delays and disruptions caused by the adverse weather.
Train and flight operations have been severely affected by the combination of heavy rain and fog. Trains passing through Delhi and neighboring regions have reported delays of two to four hours due to low visibility. At the Indira Gandhi International Airport, multiple flights have faced delays or rescheduling, prompting authorities to advise passengers to check flight statuses before traveling.
In addition to urban disruptions, the weather has also had mixed effects on agriculture in nearby states like Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. While the rainfall benefits crops like wheat and mustard, waterlogging in certain areas poses a threat to standing crops. Agricultural experts have recommended farmers ensure proper drainage to mitigate potential crop damage.
The rainy weather has significantly altered daily routines across Delhi-NCR. Many schools, offices, and marketplaces have reported lower attendance, with residents opting to stay indoors. Pedestrians and street vendors were seen using umbrellas and raincoats, while children took to the streets to enjoy the rare winter rain.
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Social media has been flooded with reactions from residents, ranging from awe at the city’s transformed atmosphere to frustration over delays, traffic jams, and waterlogged streets. Hashtags like #DelhiWeather and #RainyDelhi have been trending, with people sharing photos and videos capturing the beauty and chaos of the weather.
Authorities have reiterated the importance of safety during these conditions. Emergency services remain on high alert to respond to waterlogging, accidents, and other potential hazards. Residents are advised to stay indoors during heavy rain and fog, limit outdoor activities, and exercise caution when commuting.
Despite the disruptions, the rainy spell has been a welcome break from the dry, polluted conditions of recent months for many. As Delhi-NCR prepares for colder days ahead, citizens hope for clearer skies and an easing of travel and logistical challenges in the coming days.
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