Heavy Rainfall Triggers Flight Diversions in Delhi-NCR, Road Closures in Himachal, and Flooding Across North India
Intense monsoon showers lashed northern India on Monday, August 24, 2026, causing widespread waterlogging, severe traffic congestion, and disruptions to air travel across Delhi-NCR and neighboring states. Downpours also triggered infrastructure disruptions across parts of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Odisha.
What Happened
The National Capital Region experienced heavy precipitation accompanied by gusty winds, leading to widespread urban flooding. Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi reported significant operational interruptions, with at least 15 flights diverted due to inclement weather conditions. According to an official, 12 flights were redirected to Jaipur, two to Chandigarh, and one to Lucknow, while numerous flights experienced delays and cancellations.
Several areas in Delhi recorded close to 67 mm of rainfall. Waterlogged stretches were documented across key hubs including Connaught Place, Lutyens’ Delhi, Mathura Road, Bhairon Marg, ITO, and the Zakhira underpass. Severe accumulations of waist-deep water were reported in localities like Sangam Vihar and Sadar Bazar.
In neighboring Gurugram, the district administration noted that 70 mm of rainfall fell by 1:30 p.m. Major transit points such as Rajiv Chowk, IFFCO Chowk, Hero Honda Chowk, Narsinghpur, Mehrauli Road, Sohna Road, and the Naharpur underpass faced severe inundation, leaving school buses, ambulances, and commuters stranded in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Beyond Delhi-NCR, heavy showers struck eastern Rajasthan, submerging Moti Dungri Road in Jaipur and flooding residential areas in Kishangarhbas and Kherthal-Tijara. In Uttar Pradesh, urban areas such as Ghaziabad saw traffic snarls and waterlogged roads, where an autorickshaw overturned after striking a submerged pothole. In Himachal Pradesh, the State Emergency Operation Centre confirmed that 98 roads were closed due to weather impacts, alongside disruptions to 21 power transformers and 21 drinking water supply schemes. Meanwhile, heavy rains driven by a low-pressure system affected Odisha, where Joda in Keonjhar recorded 169.4 mm of rainfall.
Key Highlights
- Flight Operations Disrupted: At least 15 flights bound for Delhi were diverted, including 12 to Jaipur, two to Chandigarh, and one to Lucknow, amid delays and cancellations.
- Severe Urban Waterlogging: Key arterial roads in Delhi and Gurugram were flooded, with Gurugram logging 70 mm of rainfall by early afternoon.
- Road Closures in Himachal Pradesh: A total of 98 roads were shut down, with Mandi district reporting the highest count at 49, followed by Kullu with 28.
- Heavy Downpours in Eastern States: A low-pressure system centered over Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, and north Odisha caused intense rains, with multiple stations in Odisha reporting over 100 mm of precipitation.
Why This Matters
The intense precipitation caused significant disruption to daily routines, intercity travel, and public infrastructure across multiple northern states. In addition to paralyzing transit corridors in major business and administrative centers such as Delhi, Gurugram, and Jaipur, the heavy rainfall caused essential utility outages in hill districts like Mandi and Kullu, affecting basic water and power supplies.
What to Watch Next
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the prevailing low-pressure area over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining regions of Jharkhand and northern Odisha is expected to bring thunderstorms accompanied by lightning across Gangetic West Bengal through Wednesday morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many flights were diverted from Delhi airport?
At least 15 flights were diverted from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport due to adverse weather conditions, with 12 sent to Jaipur, two to Chandigarh, and one to Lucknow.
How much rainfall was recorded in Gurugram and Delhi?
Gurugram logged 70 mm of rainfall by 1:30 p.m., while select areas in Delhi recorded close to 67 mm during the downpour.
How was Himachal Pradesh impacted by the weather?
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, 98 roads were closed to vehicular traffic, primarily in Mandi (49) and Kullu (28). The weather also disrupted 21 power transformers and 21 drinking water supply schemes.
Source: Reported details based on updates from the India Meteorological Department, local district administrations, and the State Emergency Operation Centre via The Hindu.