The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Delhi, anticipating moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning throughout the day. This warning comes as the southern state of Kerala continues to grapple with severe monsoon downpours, prompting orange and yellow alerts across several of its districts.
Monsoon Fury in Kerala: Orange and Yellow Alerts Issued
Kerala has been experiencing relentless heavy rains since Thursday, July 9, 2026. The IMD has placed three districts—Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad—under an orange alert, forecasting very heavy rainfall between 115 mm and 204 mm. Additionally, a yellow alert has been issued for Ernakulam, Idukku, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kannur, and Kasaragod, where heavy rainfall ranging from 64 mm to 115 mm is expected.
The continuous precipitation has led to significant property damage across the state. Reports indicate widespread incidents of uprooted trees, broken branches, waterlogging on roads, and flooding in low-lying areas, severely affecting normal movement and daily life.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued stern warnings regarding potential landslides, mudslides, flash floods, and severe waterlogging, particularly in the state's hilly and low-lying regions. Residents in vulnerable areas are advised to remain vigilant and be prepared to move to safer locations if instructed by local authorities. The KSDMA also urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel, stay clear of rivers and other water bodies, refrain from night travel to mountainous areas, and be alert to hazards such as falling trees and snapped power lines. Emergency assistance is available 24/7 through toll-free helpline numbers 1077 and 1070.
Delhi Under Red Alert After Overnight Downpour
Concurrently, Delhi awoke to widespread grey skies, waterlogged streets, and isolated incidents of uprooted trees following heavy overnight showers. The IMD's red alert for the capital warns of continued severe weather conditions.
Weather stations recorded substantial rainfall in the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 am. Safdarjung, Delhi's primary weather station, registered 72.6 mm of rain, with Lodhi Road receiving 80.2 mm, Ridge 77.8 mm, Palam 63 mm, and Ayanagar 57.4 mm. These heavy rains caused significant waterlogging in numerous parts of the city, including Vikas Marg, East Delhi, the vicinity of New Delhi Railway Station, Munirka, Sadar Bazar, and Dwarka. Traffic movement on the crucial Delhi-Noida Expressway was also severely impacted, experiencing considerable slowdowns.
Weather experts attribute the persistent rainfall to the seasonal monsoon trough, which has shifted northwards towards the Himalayan foothills, influencing weather patterns across the region.