Heavy rains lash Delhi as IMD issues red alert
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Delhi following heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The city experienced sudden downpours during Janmashtami celebrations, with further intense weather expected throughout the day.
Why it matters
Severe weather alerts are essential for public safety and urban disaster management in densely populated regions.
Heavy rains lashed several parts of the national capital on Friday (September 4, 2026) as dark clouds shrouded Delhi, prompting the weather office to issue a red alert warning of intense rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds later in the day.
People out for Janmashtami celebrations were caught in the sudden downpour, with rain-soaked roads, umbrellas dotting the streets and people rushing for shelter as the showers intensified.
According to the IMD's three-hourly rainfall data, Palam recorded 3.4 mm of rain between 11.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m., while Najafgarh received 0.5 mm between 8.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. Most other monitoring stations recorded no rainfall during these periods.
The IMD, in its short-range weather forecast issued at 2.15 p.m., said a spell of light to moderate rain, thunderstorms and lightning was expected at many places between 2.15 p.m. and 4.15 p.m., with heavy rain at isolated places.
Also covering this story
2 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in