Deshi-NCR is experiencing severe weather action on Friday, September 4, as heavy rain and thunderstorms inundate some parts of the capital. IMD issued a red warning for severe weather conditions (heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds) and residents and commuters are on alert, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of the situation.
The weather conditions had deteriorated as heavy showers hit a few areas of Delhi yesterday for the first time in days. Waterlogging was reported in some places, and dark clouds and thunderstorms made it difficult for motorists and pedestrians too. Heavy rains and traffic movement and daily life in the city has not been normal.
Delhi and the surrounding area could see further spells of rain, with thunderstorms and lightning in the next couple of days, IMD forecast for the next couple of days. The official Delhi forecast is light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning in some places and heavy rain in isolated places in the afternoon and night.
The weather warning is significant because heavy rainfall in such short times can quickly result in waterlogging, especially on low-lying roads and areas where there is little drainage capacity. Delhi has already experienced water accumulation at some points in the last week of this warm-up, and it is a headache for commuters.
The situation around Indira Gandhi International Airport has also attracted attention. Heavy rainfall has caused waterlogging around IGI Airport, and there have also been some bad weather conditions affecting flight operations, airlines have said in a travel advisory.
VIDEO | Delhi: Heavy rain lashes the national capital; waterlogging reported near the IGI Airport. pic.twitter.com/EGSDD1x0AL
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 4, 2026
The bad weather could also affect road traffic in Delhi-NCR. Poor visibility, flooded roads, slow traffic and sudden thunderstorms could make commuting more miserable. Residents should be cautious, especially during periods of intense lightning and heavy rainfall, city officials said.
According to IMD's national weather bulletin, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi are expected to experience heavy rainfall between September 4 and 6, with isolated very heavy rainfall over Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi on September 4. Thunderstorms and lightning are also expected during the period as well.
The weather department’s warning comes as September rainfall is of increasing importance for many parts of India. The country experienced uneven rainfall this monsoon season, and so adequate rainfall during September is critical for agricultural activity, soil moisture and water resources.
The immediate focus for Delhi residents is safety in the immediate term because the weather system is on the go at this point in time as the weather system is still working. People are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during high-rise thunderstorms, stay away from open areas during lightning activity, and be careful near trees, electrical infrastructure, and waterlogged roads.
The speed of traffic should be slow, and cars should not attempt to cross waterlogged areas where the depth of water is unknown. Pedestrians should avoid flooded roads and areas where electrical wires or installations can enter water.
The red warning indicates that there may be dangerous weather and not that all parts of Delhi will experience very heavy rains for some time. The intensity of rain can vary widely from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, and isolated locations can experience much heavier showers than others.
The IMD is closely watching the weather conditions over Delhi-NCR. We expect that there will remain unsettled weather on Saturday, September 5, with the possibility of rain and thunderstorm activity.
Residents and commuters are likely to be on edge with heavy rain hitting some parts of the capital already. Heavy showers, lightning, thunderstorms and the threat of more waterlogging could continue to disrupt traffic and transport services.
Emergency services will be monitoring vulnerable areas closely as the rain spell goes on. Residents should listen for official weather reports and local advice before making travel plans, especially during periods covered by the red warning.
In our present Delhi weather situation, the need to be prepared for extreme rainfall is only reinforced. While the showers can alleviate humid conditions and cool down temperatures, heavy rainfall can put pressure on the city’s drainage and transport system. The IMD has issued a severe weather warning, so caution is required for Delhi-NCR.
