A spell of heavy rainfall, accompanied by strong winds, lashed Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram on Monday afternoon, leading to severe waterlogging and crippling traffic disruptions. Commuters were stranded as key roads and underpasses transformed into impassable zones. In Gurugram alone, emergency responders helped dozens of stranded vehicles navigate flooded streets, including pushing through a mini-truck stuck in waist-deep water.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast intense rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, and the conditions matched those warnings. Skies turned dark in broad daylight, forcing drivers to turn on headlights even during afternoon hours.

Despite the chaos, the downpour brought a much-needed drop in temperature, easing the oppressive summer heat. In Delhi-NCR, temperatures fell sharply, bringing relief and a more comfortable humidity level.

Residents remain wary as the IMD forecasts more showers and thunderstorms over the coming days, suggesting that the region’s infrastructure may be tested further.