Residents of Ghaziabad and Noida experienced heavy rainfall on Sunday, leading the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for Ghaziabad and an orange alert for Noida, warning of very heavy showers and possible flooding in low-lying areas.
However, despite witnessing similar conditions, Delhi was not placed under any weather alert, as per IMD’s nowcast on Sunday morning. Later in the day, the alerts for Ghaziabad and Noida were downgraded to yellow.
Delhi records its coolest August since 2012
While most parts of Delhi-NCR saw intermittent showers, Delhi remained unusually cool. IMD data shows that the city is on track to register its coolest August in 13 years, with an average maximum temperature of 33.2°C till Saturday. For comparison, the last time August was cooler was in 2012 (33.1°C).
In contrast, Delhi’s average maximum temperature for August stood at 34.1°C in 2024 and 35.4°C in 2023, making this year significantly cooler. Regular rainfall throughout the month has played a major role in this trend.
Sunday’s weather update for Delhi
On Sunday, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 24.5°C, two degrees below normal, while the maximum temperature was expected around 32°C under mostly cloudy skies with moderate showers. Morning humidity levels reached 81%, creating damp but relatively pleasant conditions.
A day earlier, Saturday had been even cooler, with the minimum dipping to 23.8°C — nearly 3°C below the seasonal average.
Heavy rains disrupt NCR commute
The intense downpour triggered waterlogging and traffic snarls across several NCR locations. Delhi Traffic Police deployed personnel to key intersections to regulate vehicular flow. “Traffic has slowed significantly due to water accumulation, and our teams are actively managing the situation,” a senior traffic officer said.
Apart from road congestion, power cuts and delays in public transport added to commuters’ struggles.
Flight delays at Delhi Airport
The weather also impacted operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport, with 146 departures and 30 arrivals delayed by late morning due to poor visibility and wet runways. IndiGo Airlines issued a passenger advisory, urging travelers to check flight schedules and factor in extra travel time.
More showers likely in September
According to IMD, rainfall is expected to continue into early September across northwest India, particularly in Uttarakhand, south Haryana, north Rajasthan, and Delhi. This extended spell is likely to keep temperatures below average, offering further respite from the summer heat.
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