Heavy rain slows Delhi-NCR traffic as IMD warns of thunderstorms

Heavy rain swept through parts of South Delhi and nearby NCR areas on Monday morning, slowing traffic as commuters made their way through the downpour.

The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in some Delhi districts and a yellow alert for moderate rain in others. It forecast thunderstorms, lightning and winds of 30-40 kmph at isolated places across South East, East, Shahdara, Central, North East, South, New Delhi, South West, West, North West and North Delhi.

Moderate rain with thunderstorms and similar wind speeds was also forecast at many places in Central, South, South West, West, North West and North Delhi. In Ghaziabad, the rain slowed traffic on several roads and waterlogging was reported in multiple areas.

The current spell is linked to an active monsoon trough, a low-pressure area over Uttar Pradesh and moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal. Similar scattered rain spells are expected over the next two days, while conditions may turn hot and humid after the showers ease.