Delhi-NCR red alert: Heavy rain triggers waterlogging, 26 flights cancelled on Aug 25
Synopsis
Delhi's monsoon crossed into overdrive on 25 August, with an IMD red alert covering all 11 districts and rainfall at key stations running 29–66% above normal. The previous day's downpour alone cancelled 26 flights and delayed over 390 — a signal that the capital's infrastructure is once again being tested by a season that is far from average.
Key Takeaways
IMD issued a red alert for all major Delhi districts on 25 August , valid until 9:45 am IST .
Monday's rain cancelled 26 flights , diverted 15 , and delayed more than 390 at Delhi airports.
Safdarjung recorded 246.2 mm of cumulative monsoon rainfall — 29% above normal as of 24 August .
Ayanagar led surpluses at 66% above normal ; Ridge was 50% above normal .
Gurugram and Faridabad placed under yellow alert ; Noida overcast with no specific warning issued.
Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI among monitored stations at 208 , in the poor category.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Delhi-NCR on Tuesday, 25 August as heavy rain lashed the capital and surrounding areas through the morning, triggering widespread waterlogging, traffic snarls, and significant disruption to air travel. The warning was valid until 9:45 am IST.
Red Alert Coverage and Key Areas Affected
The IMD's district-level nowcast covered virtually all of Delhi — North Delhi, Central Delhi, North East Delhi, North West Delhi, West Delhi, South West Delhi, New Delhi, South Delhi, South East Delhi, Shahdara, and East Delhi. Heavy showers were reported from prominent locations including Parliament Street, Connaught Place, the AIIMS area, ITO, R.K. Puram, and Ferozeshah Road.
In the NCR, Gurugram and Faridabad were placed under a yellow alert, with further rainfall expected. Noida remained heavily overcast, though no specific warning had been issued for the city.
Flight Operations and Traffic Hit Hard
The disruption extended beyond the roads. On Monday, the preceding day's intense rain led to 26 flights cancelled, 15 diverted to other cities, and more than 390 flights delayed. Major roads across Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida witnessed long vehicle queues as rainwater accumulated on key stretches and low-lying areas during the morning rush hour.
Rainfall Well Above Normal This Monsoon Season
The ongoing spell has pushed Delhi's cumulative monsoon rainfall significantly above seasonal norms. Till 24 August, Safdarjung recorded 246.2 mm against a normal of 191.1 mm — an excess of 29%. Palam received 227.2 mm, or 28% above normal, while Lodi Road logged 233.2 mm, 22% higher than its seasonal average.
The surplus was even sharper at other stations: Ridge recorded 243 mm, an excess of 50%, while Ayanagar received 266.3 mm — 66% above its normal rainfall figure.
What Is Driving the Intense Showers
The IMD attributed the heavy rain to the interaction between a middle- and upper-level western disturbance and a lower-tropospheric trough extending from a low-pressure area over Gangetic West Bengal towards southwest Uttar Pradesh. The department forecast moderate rainfall at many places across Delhi, with isolated locations likely to experience heavy to extremely heavy showers, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds.
Air Quality Remains a Concern
Despite the rain, air quality readings across Delhi-NCR remained largely in the poor category. Anand Vihar recorded the highest pollution level among monitored stations at 208. Other readings ranged widely: Mundka (81), CRRI Mathura Road (96), Rohini (130), Punjabi Bagh (114), Chandni Chowk (135), Narela (90), Shadipur (64), R K Puram (109), Pusa (123), North Campus (131), Cantonment Area (103), and Sonia Vihar (131). With more rain forecast through the day, conditions across the capital are expected to remain volatile.
Point of View
Not the exception.
NationPress
25 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are under IMD red alert in Delhi on 25 August?
The IMD issued a red alert covering North Delhi, Central Delhi, North East Delhi, North West Delhi, West Delhi, South West Delhi, New Delhi, South Delhi, South East Delhi, Shahdara, and East Delhi on 25 August, valid until 9:45 am IST.
How many flights were affected by the Delhi rain?
On Monday, the day before the red alert, heavy rain led to 26 flight cancellations, 15 diversions, and more than 390 delays at Delhi airports. Flight operations are expected to remain under pressure as rain continues.
How much above normal is Delhi's monsoon rainfall this season?
As of 24 August, Safdarjung recorded 29% excess rainfall, Palam was 28% above normal, and Ayanagar logged a surplus of 66%. Ridge station was 50% above its seasonal average, indicating a significantly wetter-than-usual monsoon.
What is causing the heavy rain in Delhi-NCR?
The IMD attributed the intense showers to the interaction of a middle- and upper-level western disturbance with a lower-tropospheric trough linked to a low-pressure area over Gangetic West Bengal extending toward southwest Uttar Pradesh.
What is the air quality situation in Delhi during the rain?
Despite the rainfall, air quality across Delhi-NCR remained largely in the poor category. Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI at 208, while several other stations ranged from satisfactory to poor.
