Delhi-NCR Hit by Heavy Monsoon Rain, Orange Alert Issued

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) placed Delhi and the National Capital Region under an orange alert on July 9, 2026, as heavy monsoon showers produced widespread water‑logging, traffic snarls and a sharp temperature drop of up to 10 °C. Rainfall measurements varied across the city, with Mayur Vihar recording the highest total of 102.5 mm in 24 hours, while other stations logged 70‑80 mm.

The downpours disrupted major arterial routes, the Delhi‑Gurugram Expressway, and public transport, prompting police deployment and work‑from‑home advisories in Gurugram. Despite the inconvenience, the rain cleared pollutants, bringing the capital’s Air Quality Index down to the “satisfactory” range (AQI ≈ 54‑61), the best in over three years.

IMD forecasts indicate that heavy rain will persist across Delhi‑NCR until at least July 11, with continued alerts for neighbouring states. Haryana and Punjab saw temperatures fall five to seven notches below normal, while Bihar received a yellow alert for 24 districts due to thunderstorms and strong winds. The monsoon system is expected to move northward, easing conditions after the forecast period.