Delhi’s residents were jolted awake on Sunday morning by a sudden downpour that turned the capital’s streets into a river of water, while an aggressive cold wave pushed temperatures well below the seasonal norm. The combination of dense black clouds, relentless rain, and a sharp chill created a dramatic start to the day, prompting commuters to scramble for shelter and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue urgent alerts. This article unpacks the meteorological backdrop, the immediate impact on the city’s infrastructure, the response from authorities, and the short‑term outlook as the weather system moves eastward.
Morning delhi under torrential rain
The rain began just after dawn, with precipitation rates hitting 12 mm per hour in central districts. Streets of Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, and Old Delhi quickly turned slick, and waterlogging was reported near major intersections. Residents described the scene as “a wall of water” that made even short walks hazardous. According to the IMD’s live tracker, the cloud mass is moving at 15 km/h from the northwest, bringing continuous showers for the next 6‑8 hours.
Cold wave intensifies the chill
Simultaneously, a cold wave from the Himalayan foothills has pushed the minimum temperature down to 4 °C in the city’s northern suburbs, while central Delhi hovers around 9 °C. The stark contrast between the wet conditions and the dropping temperature has left many feeling “bone‑chilling”. The IMD has issued a cold wave alert, urging people to dress warmly and limit outdoor exposure.
Impact on commuters and city services
Public transport felt the brunt of the weather:
- Delhi Metro services were delayed on the Yellow and Red lines due to water seepage at several stations.
- Bus routes in South Delhi reported cancellations, with drivers citing low visibility and slippery roads.
- Road accidents rose by 18 % compared to the same hour on the previous Sunday, according to Delhi Police data.
Emergency services were on standby, and the Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) deployed additional drainage teams to clear clogged drains in flood‑prone areas.
Meteorological outlook and warnings
Forecast models indicate that the rain will taper off by late afternoon, but the cold wave will linger. The table below summarizes the expected temperature range and precipitation probability for the next three days:
| Date | Max Temp (°C) | Min Temp (°C) | Rain Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026‑01‑09 | 12 | 4 | 70 % |
| 2026‑01‑10 | 13 | 5 | 40 % |
| 2026‑01‑11 | 15 | 7 | 20 % |
Authorities advise residents to keep windows closed, use de‑humidifiers where possible, and stay updated via the ABP Live weather report. The IMD expects the cold wave to retreat by mid‑week, but a secondary low‑pressure system could bring scattered showers later in the week.
In conclusion, Delhi’s early‑morning deluge combined with an aggressive cold wave created a challenging environment for commuters and city services. While the rain is set to ease by evening, the lingering chill will keep temperatures below seasonal averages for several days. Residents are urged to follow official advisories, stay warm, and prepare for possible residual showers as the weather system moves eastward.
Image by: Sergej Karpow
https://www.pexels.com/@strannik-sk
