Heavy rain and thunderstorms swept across Delhi-NCR on Monday, October 12, prompting a red alert, waterlogging warnings and travel advisories after the southwest monsoon had withdrawn from much of northern India. The Delhi-NCR rain alert covered intense spells accompanied by lightning and gusty winds, with residents advised to allow extra travel time and avoid waterlogged stretches.
Delhi-NCR rain alert follows intense morning downpour
The India Meteorological Department’s rainfall information page, updated on October 12, said isolated heavy rain was likely over Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi during the current forecast period. Same-day reporting by The Indian Express said Safdarjung recorded 40 mm of rain by 5:30 am, while the Delhi airport area received 30 mm.
The storm affected central, southeast and west Delhi, including R K Puram and Kartavya Path. Water accumulated in several low-lying areas, adding to traffic disruption during the morning commute. Reports also described waterlogging around Jhandewalan in Karol Bagh.
Thunderstorms and strong winds were an important part of the warning. Forecasts cited gusts of up to about 60 kmph during the most active period, creating risks from falling branches, loose outdoor objects and reduced visibility. The red alert signalled the need for immediate attention to rapidly changing local conditions rather than a prediction that every part of the region would receive equally severe rain.
Why rain returned after monsoon withdrawal
The episode came after the southwest monsoon had withdrawn from much of northern India. Post-monsoon rain can still develop when a western disturbance interacts with moisture and other regional weather systems. Such systems can produce short, intense spells even after the seasonal monsoon circulation has retreated.
The wider forecast also indicated unsettled weather over parts of Haryana, Punjab and neighbouring areas. Delhi’s temperatures were expected to stay comparatively moderate after the rain, with maximum readings forecast near 32–34 degrees Celsius on October 13 and 33–35 degrees on October 14. Minimum temperatures were expected to remain around 23–25 degrees over the next few days.
Travel and safety advice for Delhi-NCR
Delhi Airport and airlines issued passenger advisories because thunderstorms and heavy rain can affect flight operations. Travellers were asked to check flight status before leaving for the airport and keep additional time for road delays.
For road users, the main risks were waterlogging, low visibility and sudden traffic congestion. Commuters should avoid entering flooded underpasses or roads where the depth of water is unclear. During lightning, people should move indoors and avoid sheltering under isolated trees, standing near metal fencing or remaining in open areas.
Conditions can vary sharply across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and adjoining districts. Residents should therefore follow location-specific nowcasts and official advisories rather than relying only on a citywide forecast. The IMD’s warnings and local traffic-police updates remain the most useful sources for immediate decisions.
