Heavy rainfall in Delhi provided much-needed respite from a sweltering September but unleashed widespread traffic chaos, compounding the challenges of the festive season rush. Commuters across the capital faced severe congestion, with social media posts highlighting significant delays at key locations such as Tikona Park near Jamia Millia Islamia and a 25-minute pile-up on the flyover near Radisson Hotel on NH-48 en route to Gurugram. The Delhi Traffic Police issued advisories urging commuters to avoid waterlogged areas and plan their journeys carefully to navigate the gridlock.

The downpour, while a relief from sultry weather, led to bumper-to-bumper traffic on major roads, including Mathura Road, Old Rohtak Road, parts of ITO, and the stretch from Mahatma Gandhi Road to GT Karnal Road. Northwest Delhi, particularly around Netaji Subhash Place in Pitampura and the Outer Ring Road, saw sluggish vehicle movement, while south Delhi’s busy corridors like Mahatma Gandhi Road, NH-48, and Captain Gaur Marg from Lajpat Nagar were heavily congested. Social media platforms buzzed with commuter frustrations, with many reporting prolonged delays and chaotic road conditions exacerbated by the festive rush.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 28.7 degrees Celsius, 5.4 notches above normal, with a maximum expected to reach 35 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity stood at 74 percent at 8:30 AM, and the IMD forecasted a generally cloudy sky with light rain or drizzle throughout the day. The rainfall, while cooling the city after weeks of high temperatures, contributed to waterlogging in low-lying areas, further snarling traffic and disrupting daily commutes.

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Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘moderate’ category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 114 at 8 AM, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). However, the combination of rain and traffic congestion raised concerns about worsening road conditions and potential air quality impacts in the coming days. Authorities advised residents to stay updated on weather and traffic alerts, particularly as the festive season intensified travel demands across the capital.

The heavy rainfall, while a welcome break from the heat, underscored Delhi’s ongoing challenges with urban infrastructure and traffic management during adverse weather. As the city braces for more showers, commuters and authorities alike face the task of mitigating disruptions while ensuring safe travel during this busy period. The situation highlights the need for improved drainage systems and traffic planning to better handle monsoon-related challenges in the capital.

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