Delhi NCR Braces for Heavy Rainfall as IMD Issues Rare 'Extremely Severe' Alert

June 15, 2026 4 min read

Residents across Delhi and its neighbouring states woke up Thursday to urgent push notifications warning of an 'extremely severe' weather alert, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting heavy rainfall throughout the day. The IMD's bright orange warning appeared on millions of mobile phones, advising citizens to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Authorities in Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad have placed emergency response teams on standby.

IMD Alert Reaches Millions Across Delhi NCR

The India Meteorological Department issued its highest rainfall warning for the Delhi National Capital Region on Thursday morning, sending automated emergency alerts to smartphone users across the area. The message warned of 'heavy to very heavy rainfall' with isolated instances of 'extremely heavy rainfall' expected during the day. Officials at IMD's regional office in New Delhi confirmed the alert status would remain in effect until at least midnight.

The notification advised several precautionary measures, including avoiding low-lying areas prone to water accumulation and postponing non-essential journeys. Schools in several districts have been asked to remain closed as a precautionary measure, local education departments confirmed.

How the Alert System Works

The IMD uses a colour-coded warning system, with 'extremely severe' representing the second-highest category before 'severe.' The system connects directly with mobile network operators to push warnings to all handsets in affected regions, a mechanism that has been expanded significantly since the devastating 2015 floods that killed over 100 people in Chennai and surrounding areas.

Citizens Report Flooding in Low-Lying Areas

By mid-morning, residents in several parts of Delhi reported initial flooding on major roads and underpasses. Social media posts showed waterlogging near the Dhaula Kuan underpass and standing water on stretches of the Ring Road. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi confirmed teams had been deployed to clear drainage points at over 200 locations across the city.

In Gurugram, several major corporate parks advised employees to work from home where possible. A spokesperson for one technology company in Cyber City told local media the firm had activated its severe weather protocol. The Haryana state disaster management authority announced it had pre-positioned boats and rescue teams in Gurugram and Manesar.

Transport Disruptions Begin Across the Region

Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport reported minor delays on Thursday morning as heavy showers reduced visibility. Airlines advised passengers to check flight status before arriving at the terminal. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced it was monitoring underground sections for potential water ingress but reported all lines were operating normally as of 10 AM.

Northern Railway confirmed several suburban train services in the Delhi area were running behind schedule due to speed restrictions imposed during heavy rain. Bus services operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation reported minor disruptions on routes passing through waterlogged stretches. Traffic police appealed to commuters to leave vehicles off roads unless absolutely necessary.

Infrastructure Concerns Resurface

The IMD warning has reignited concerns about Delhi's drainage infrastructure, which has struggled to cope with intense rainfall in recent years. Last August, parts of the city received over 100 millimetres of rain within 24 hours, causing widespread flooding and at least 11 deaths. Civic bodies have faced criticism for failing to complete promised drainage upgrades.

The Delhi Jal Board reported its sewage and drainage pumping stations were operating at full capacity. Officials acknowledged that several drains remain partially blocked ahead of the monsoon season, which typically runs from June through September. A spokesperson urged residents to report any clogged drainage points through the government's mobile application.

Neighbouring States Also on High Alert

The IMD extended its heavy rainfall warning to parts of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh adjacent to Delhi. Authorities in Ghaziabad and Meerut reported similar emergency preparedness measures. The Western Disturbance currently affecting northern India, combined with moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal, has created conditions favourable for sustained heavy rainfall across the region, meteorologists explained.

Rajasthan's Jaipur Meteorological Centre issued orange alerts for Bharatpur and Kota divisions, warning of thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds reaching 50-60 kilometres per hour. Agricultural experts said the rainfall would benefit rabi crops in neighbouring states but could cause damage to standing wheat harvest if conditions persist.

What Residents Should Watch For

The IMD has predicted the heavy rainfall will continue through Thursday night before gradually weakening on Friday. However, meteorologists warned that another weather system could bring renewed rainfall to the region by Sunday. Officials advised residents to monitor official IMD updates through their website and social media channels.

Those living in low-lying areas should be prepared to move to higher ground if water levels rise rapidly, disaster management officials cautioned. Emergency helplines have been activated across Delhi and surrounding districts. The India Meteorological Department is expected to provide an updated forecast at 2 PM on Thursday, which will determine whether the alert status changes for evening and night hours.