Delhi-NCR on yellow alert as heavy rain hits early morning commute

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Delhi-NCR on Tuesday after heavy rain drenched parts of the region in the early hours, easing the stifling humidity but leaving several stretches waterlogged.

The pre-dawn showers, following Saturday’s intense spell, broke a four-day lull in monsoon activity and are expected to slow down the morning commute in low-lying zones.

Areas including Minto Bridge, Vijay Chowk, Moti Bagh flyover, Rafi Marg, and Nizamuddin flyover reported intense rainfall and traffic disruptions. According to the IMD, Tuesday’s forecast includes a “thunderstorm with rain,” with the maximum temperature expected at 34°C and the minimum at 25°C.

Muggy day despite Delhi rain
In Noida, light showers during Raksha Bandhan had hinted at wetter conditions ahead, but Tuesday morning’s burst brought a sharper change. While the rain offered temporary relief, much of the day remained dry, and sluggish winds kept humidity levels high. IMD data showed Delhi’s maximum temperature at 31.8°C and minimum at 28.1°C, with humidity hitting a sweltering 100% — well above seasonal averages.

Himachal Pradesh monsoon toll mounts
Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh, the monsoon season has caused widespread devastation.

Between June 20 and August 11, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) reported 229 deaths — 119 from rain-related incidents and 110 from road accidents. The state recorded over ₹2,007 crore in cumulative losses to lives, livestock, property, agriculture, horticulture, and infrastructure.

Damage to infrastructure has been severe, with PWD roads worth over Rs 1,071 crore damaged, Jal Shakti water schemes suffering losses of ₹682 crore, and power supply infrastructure hit by damages exceeding Rs 139 crore. Housing losses include 916 fully destroyed houses and 27,366 partially damaged ones, alongside significant livestock and poultry losses.

Kangra district reported the highest number of rain-related deaths (26), followed by Mandi (23) and several others. Authorities say restoration work is underway but face delays due to recurring landslides, road blockages, and ongoing heavy rain. Residents in vulnerable zones have been urged to follow safety advisories.

Wider wet spell across the country
Over the past 24 hours to Sunday morning, widespread rain was recorded across multiple states. Parts of western Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, eastern Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya, and Karnataka received 7–20 cm of rainfall.

Significant showers also drenched Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Gujarat, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.

The IMD forecasts heavy rainfall for Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh in the coming week, with some parts of Uttarakhand expected to receive up to 21 cm on August 13. From August 13 to 16, a fresh wet spell is likely in Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and coastal Andhra Pradesh.