Delhi-NCR | Updated October 13, 2026

Heavy rain and thunderstorms affected Delhi and neighbouring parts of the National Capital Region on Monday, October 12, bringing cooler conditions but also waterlogging and traffic disruption. The India Meteorological Department’s Safdarjung observatory recorded 41.6 millimetres of rain in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 a.m. on October 12, the highest October daily total there since October 2022, according to reports published on October 12–13.

What happened

Rain and thunderstorms affected parts of Delhi-NCR, including Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad. India Today reported that the downpour briefly improved Delhi’s air quality to the ‘satisfactory’ category for the first time that month. Waterlogging and traffic diversions were reported in some areas.

Earlier coverage cited a preliminary rainfall figure of about 40 mm based on readings up to 5:30 a.m. The updated 41.6 mm figure covers the full 24-hour period ending at 8:30 a.m., so the measurement periods are different.

Commuter and public-safety advice

  • Check live traffic and transit advisories before starting a journey.
  • Allow extra travel time and avoid waterlogged underpasses or roads where the depth of water is unclear.
  • During lightning, move indoors and avoid exposed rooftops, open fields and isolated trees.
  • Motorists should reduce speed, increase following distance and use headlights when visibility falls.
  • Follow current IMD and local-authority alerts rather than relying on older forecasts or social-media videos.

Why rain can occur after monsoon withdrawal

Monsoon withdrawal marks the retreat of the seasonal circulation; it does not end rainfall across India. Western Disturbances and other regional weather systems can still bring moisture, cloud formation and intense showers. Such events can be disruptive when they coincide with peak commuting hours or drainage bottlenecks.

This report describes the rainfall event recorded on October 12, not a live forecast for October 13. Check the IMD for current warnings and local authorities for road closures or diversions.

Sources