The southwest monsoon has finally reached Delhi and the National Capital Region, with heavy rain and thunderstorm alerts now in force across 12 states, including Maharashtra, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday. Several parts of Delhi saw heavy downpours as skies turned dark early in the morning, even as Maharashtra bore the worst of the weather with a red alert in Palghar and an orange alert for Mumbai. Authorities across the affected states have asked residents to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.
Skies Turn Dark Over Delhi, Bringing Relief From Heat
Delhi's weather changed dramatically this morning. Thick dark clouds rolled in even before sunrise, and within a short while heavy rain began lashing several parts of the city. The India Meteorological Department had earlier projected the monsoon's arrival around July 4, but the rain that arrived two days ahead of that schedule has brought major relief to residents from the punishing summer heat that had gripped the capital in recent weeks.
Maharashtra Worst Hit, Red Alert Issued for Palghar
Maharashtra is currently facing the brunt of the monsoon. The weather department has issued a red alert for Palghar district, while an orange alert remains in place for Mumbai. Thane too has been placed under a red alert by the India Meteorological Department on Thursday, with heavy rain expected in several parts of Mumbai as well. Authorities have urged people to avoid stepping out of their homes unless absolutely necessary. Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Assam are also witnessing heavy rainfall, with rivers and drains running full and waterlogging reported in several areas. Heavy rain warnings have also been issued for Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, along with the northeastern states.
Bandra and Juhu Roads Submerged, Two Cars Swept Away
Roads from Mumbai city to Bandra and Juhu have gone completely underwater. Trees have been falling across the city amid the relentless rain, and subways have had to be shut because of excess water accumulation, forcing residents to stay confined to their homes. In Vasai-Virar, drains overflowed after heavy rain and two cars were swept away by the strong current of water like toys. Fortunately, the occupants jumped out in time and escaped unhurt, though the continuous rain has caused considerable damage to property in the area.
Eastern Suburbs Record Highest Rainfall at 164mm
Rain has continued in Mumbai since the previous night. The city recorded 134 millimetres of rainfall, the eastern suburbs recorded 164 millimetres and the western suburbs recorded 149 millimetres. Water entered the Andheri subway around 4am, forcing traffic to be halted there for some time, though vehicle movement has since resumed after the water receded. In the Kings Circle area, water has pooled on part of the road, but traffic has not been affected there. Low-lying parts of Kurla have also gone underwater. Suburban rail services, however, have continued to operate normally so far, offering some relief to daily commuters.
Thane Roads Under 2 to 3 Feet of Water
Heavy rain has also created serious waterlogging in the low-lying areas of Thane. Water levels on the roads there have reached 2 to 3 feet, stalling several vehicles in the middle of the road and causing long traffic jams during peak hours. Notably, Mumbai had also recorded heavy rainfall on Wednesday, meaning the city has now been battered by rain for a second consecutive day, with little sign of respite in the immediate forecast.
