Heavy rains disrupt flights and traffic across north India

What Happened

On Monday, August 24, 2026, heavy rainfall affected several north Indian regions, with the Delhi-NCR area bearing the largest impact. The downpour led to waterlogged streets, disrupted traffic, and flight diversions at major airports. In Gurugram, waterlogging affected key corridors and prolonged congestion, including stretches around Rajiv Chowk, IFFCO Chowk, and Sohna Road. Several areas, such as the Naharpur underpass and parts of Old Delhi Road, Mehrauli Road, and other routes, experienced flooding up to waist-deep in places. The Indira Gandhi International Airport reported multiple flight diversions and delays, with 15 flights diverted specifically due to weather conditions. Officially, 12 flights were redirected to Jaipur, two to Chandigarh, and one to Lucknow. In the national capital region, water-related disruptions extended to Lutyens’ Delhi, Mathura Road, Connaught Place, Bhairon Marg, ITO, and the Zakhira underpass. Authorities noted that parts of Uttar Pradesh also saw light to moderate showers, with some areas recording isolated heavy spells. Beyond Delhi-NCR, heavy rainfall affected Jaipur and eastern Rajasthan, causing waterlogging in several towns and disrupting local traffic. Specific districts receiving rainfall included Jaipur, Alwar, Dholpur, Karauli, Bharatpur, Sawai Madhopur, Dausa, and Kherthal-Tijara. Across Himachal Pradesh, the rain caused significant road closures and disruptions to power and water schemes, with authorities reporting 98 roads blocked for vehicular traffic and disruptions to 21 power transformers and 21 drinking water supply schemes. In Ghaziabad, heavy showers led to severe waterlogging across major roads and low-lying residential sectors, worsening urban congestion. An autorickshaw overturned after hitting a pothole on a waterlogged stretch, with passengers escaping with minor injuries. The meteorological department noted thunderstorm activity in parts of East and West Uttar Pradesh during the last 24 hours.

Why It Matters

The rain triggered widespread transport disruption in several north Indian cities, complicating travel for both regular commuters and families. Flight diversions and delays at IGIA reflect the aviation sector’s sensitivity to weather in monsoon conditions, while waterlogging and road closures highlight urban vulnerability to heavy rainfall events. Authorities reported that multiple districts faced flooding and that essential services, such as power and drinking water, were affected in parts of Himachal Pradesh, suggesting broader infrastructure stress in the region during this weather event.

Background

Heavy monsoonal activity affected north India around the date of the incident, with rainfall affecting Delhi-NCR and adjacent states. The meteorological department indicated widespread showers and thunderstorm activity in several areas over the last 24 hours, contributing to the observed disruptions. In addition to urban flooding, several district administrations reported flooding and traffic saturation across multiple highways and localities in both the national capital region and the surrounding states.

Key Facts

• Date of event: August 24, 2026
• Gurugram rainfall by 1:30 p.m.: 70 mm
• Delhi-area rainfall in some zones: up to 67 mm
• Flights diverted at Indira Gandhi International Airport: 15
• Flight diversions: 12 to Jaipur, 2 to Chandigarh, 1 to Lucknow
• Waterlogging reported in key Delhi-NCR areas including Rajiv Chowk, IFFCO Chowk, and Naharpur underpass
• Traffic disruption and waterlogging reported in Ghaziabad, Old Delhi Road, Mehrauli Road, and surrounding corridors
• Jaipur and eastern Rajasthan faced heavy rainfall and waterlogging in multiple towns
• Himachal Pradesh: 98 roads closed; 21 power transformers and 21 drinking water schemes disrupted
• Ghaziabad: severe waterlogging across major roads and low-lying areas
• Autorickshaw overturned on a waterlogged stretch; passengers escaped with minor injuries

What Happens Next

Officials will likely continue to monitor rainfall patterns and infrastructure readiness, with ongoing assessments of waterlogging, road conditions, and airport operations. The update notes the number of diversions and closures up to the event time, but the material does not specify subsequent actions or schedules for restoration beyond the immediate diversions and disruptions observed on August 24, 2026.