Heavy rain and thunderstorms lashed several parts of Delhi on Friday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for the national capital until 5 pm. Strong winds accompanied the rainfall in several areas, while the city remained under a blanket of clouds. The weather conditions came as preparations continued for the BRICS Summit, scheduled to be held in Delhi on September 12 and 13. The alert warned of intense rainfall in parts of the capital during the afternoon, raising concerns over waterlogging and disruption as the city prepared to host the major international event.

Several areas in central and north Delhi received light to moderate rainfall during the day. The Parliament Street and Bharat Mandapam areas were among the locations that experienced showers as the weather deteriorated across parts of the capital. The rainfall coincided with preparations for the upcoming BRICS Summit, adding to the significance of the weather conditions in a city preparing to host visiting delegations and officials. Authorities remained watchful as rain and strong winds affected different parts of Delhi.

In its 1 pm update, the IMD said several areas of Delhi could receive light to moderate rainfall of up to 15 mm per hour over the following few hours. Some areas, however, were expected to experience heavier rainfall exceeding 15 mm per hour. The forecast indicated that rainfall intensity could vary significantly across the capital, with some neighbourhoods receiving relatively moderate showers while others faced the possibility of heavier downpours. The red alert reflected the potential for intense weather conditions during the afternoon.

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The weather office’s warning came as Delhi continued preparations for the BRICS Summit, which is scheduled for September 12 and 13. The capital is expected to see heightened movement of officials and security personnel around key venues, including Bharat Mandapam. Rainfall and strong winds can create challenges for traffic movement and outdoor preparations, particularly in areas experiencing heavier showers. The weather conditions therefore remained an important factor for authorities monitoring the situation ahead of the summit.

While the IMD issued a red alert for Friday until 5 pm, no weather alert had been issued for Saturday. The forecast, however, indicated that light to moderate rain was expected to continue throughout Friday. The possibility of further showers meant that residents and commuters could face changing conditions during the day, particularly in areas affected by heavier rainfall. The variation in rainfall intensity across the city also meant that local conditions could differ considerably from one part of Delhi to another.

The latest weather warning comes amid a period of heightened activity in the national capital ahead of the BRICS Summit. With heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds affecting parts of the city, authorities were required to monitor conditions closely as preparations continued. The IMD’s forecast of rainfall reaching more than 15 mm per hour in some areas highlighted the possibility of intense showers during the afternoon. Although no alert was issued for Saturday, the weather remained a key consideration for the capital as it prepared to host the summit on September 12 and 13.

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