Heavy rains swept across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Tuesday, bringing relief from the heat but causing significant disruptions. The downpour led to severe waterlogging, affecting traffic and daily activities, including the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations. Commuters faced challenges as rainwater accumulated in areas like the Zakhira underpass, and traffic snarls were reported at Mandi House, Talkatora Road, and Feroz Shah Road during the morning rush hour.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the sudden rainfall to a well-marked low-pressure area over the Gulf of Kutch, which is influencing weather patterns in northern India. This system is accompanied by two troughs that are channeling moisture from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal into the region. Meteorologists noted that when these troughs align, they can trigger intense rainfall, especially with strong moisture supply from both seas.

The IMD has issued an ‘orange’ alert for Delhi, indicating the potential for moderate rains, thunderstorms, and gusty winds in the coming hours. While the rains provided a break from the high temperatures, which reached 37.5 degrees Celsius on Monday, they also posed challenges for travel. Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet warned passengers of possible flight delays and advised them to allow extra time for travel due to the adverse weather and resulting traffic congestion.

IndiGo tweeted about the heavy rain causing temporary disruptions, while Air India and SpiceJet echoed similar messages, urging travelers to check their flight statuses. Akasa Air specifically highlighted the impact of road congestion on access to the airport, advising passengers to plan for additional travel time.

As the rains continue, residents of Delhi-NCR are reminded of the city's vulnerability to sudden flooding, even as they enjoy a brief respite from the September heat. The IMD expects intermittent showers to persist in the region for the next few days, with waterlogging and traffic delays likely to continue in low-lying areas.