India weather: Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit Delhi and multiple states

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued weather alerts for several Indian states, forecasting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds. In Delhi, heavy showers and thunderstorms have caused significant traffic congestion and waterlogging at major junctions, including ITO, India Gate, and Mandi House. The rainfall has also led to a drop in temperatures, with Safdarjung recording a maximum of 28.3 degrees Celsius.

Across northern India, rainfall is expected in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and parts of Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. Western Uttar Pradesh is also under alert for rain, lightning, and potential hailstorms. In the south, the IMD has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall in parts of Kerala and has predicted increased activity due to the approaching northeast monsoon, affecting Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and coastal Karnataka.

Additionally, the southwest monsoon is reportedly withdrawing from the country. In Delhi, air quality has seen fluctuations, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching moderate levels amid the changing weather patterns.