Unprecedented Heavy Rainfall Batters Delhi: IMD Issues Red Alert, 4 Dead Amid Chaos

New Delhi — In a rare and devastating turn of events, the national capital experienced unprecedented heavy rainfall on Friday, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert — only the second such instance for Delhi in May this century. The unexpected cloudburst and violent winds caused widespread disruption, leaving four dead and several areas paralyzed due to flooding, traffic jams, and uprooted trees.

Red Alert Declared as Rainfall Surges Beyond Forecasts

The IMD had originally predicted moderate rain, but by 5:00 AM, after observing intense cloud formation and rain bands, the department swiftly upgraded its advisory to red alert status. By 8:30 AM, Safdarjung Observatory had recorded 77 mm of rainfall, marking one of the wettest May days in recent memory, surpassed only by 119.3 mm on May 20, 2021, during Cyclone Tauktae.

The rain, accompanied by gusts reaching 80 km/h, brought Delhi to a standstill. Emergency services struggled to respond amid the deluge, with waterlogging reported in Connaught Place, RK Puram, and East Delhi, among others.

Severe Impact: Fatalities and Disruptions Across the Capital

According to official reports, at least four people lost their lives in separate incidents linked to the extreme weather — including tree collapses and electrocution. The Delhi Traffic Police issued multiple alerts as major roads, including Outer Ring Road and NH-48, faced gridlock due to submerged underpasses and debris.

Municipal authorities have begun clean-up operations, though concerns remain over the possibility of further showers in the coming days.

More Rain Likely: Yellow Alert Issued for Saturday

The IMD has placed Delhi under a yellow alert for Saturday, forecasting light to moderate rainfall with winds between 40–50 km/h. Intermittent showers are also expected to continue through Sunday, driven by prevailing western disturbances and residual storm activity from the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.

IMD Director: Storm Intensity Was Difficult to Predict

In an emergency briefing, IMD Director Mr. M. Mohapatra explained that while pre-monsoon thunderstorms over Northwest India were expected, the exact intensity and timing of rainfall remain complex to model.

“Last week’s extreme heat over North India contributed to moisture buildup, and a western disturbance triggered rapid storm formation,” Mohapatra said. “Despite advancements, nature continues to challenge our forecasting capabilities.”

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call on Weather Preparedness

The events of May 3, 2025, underline the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns, particularly in urban regions like Delhi. With climate conditions intensifying and forecasting complexities persisting, the need for early-response systems and public awareness becomes more critical than ever.