The southwest monsoon intensified across large parts of northern and western India on Monday, with Delhi placed under an orange alert for moderate rainfall after recording its hottest July day in two years, while heavy rain triggered landslides, road closures and school shutdowns in Uttarakhand. Maharashtra also continued to reel under relentless downpours that disrupted normal life across Mumbai, Thane, Pune and neighbouring districts.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Delhi, forecasting a generally cloudy sky with moderate rainfall across the national capital.
The alert comes a day after Delhi recorded its hottest July day in two years. On Sunday, the maximum temperature rose to 38.6 degrees Celsius, two degrees above the seasonal average and the highest July maximum since July 11, 2024, when the city recorded 38.8 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature also remained above normal at 29.2 degrees Celsius, the highest July minimum since July 2, 2024.
Despite the intense heat, moderate showers brought temporary relief across several parts of the city and the National Capital Region (NCR). Chhatarpur recorded the highest rainfall at 49 mm till 2.30 p.m., while Gurugram received 35 mm, Mehrauli 18 mm, Greater Noida 17 mm, Najafgarh 8 mm and Janakpuri 7 mm. However, the rainfall also led to waterlogging in several localities, disrupting traffic and inconveniencing commuters.
For Monday, the IMD has forecast moderate rainfall with a generally cloudy sky. Temperatures are expected to remain around 32 degrees Celsius during the day and 27 degrees Celsius at night.
Delhi's air quality remained in the 'moderate' category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 155 on Sunday evening, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Weather experts attributed the changing weather pattern to the seasonal monsoon trough shifting towards central India due to a low-pressure area over Odisha and an associated cyclonic circulation. The trough is expected to gradually move back towards Delhi and the Indo-Gangetic plains over the coming days, increasing the likelihood of more widespread monsoon rainfall.
Meanwhile, Uttarakhand witnessed heavy rainfall that triggered landslides and flash floods across several districts, severely affecting transport and pilgrimage routes.
The Badrinath National Highway was blocked at multiple locations due to landslides and falling debris, disrupting traffic and leaving hundreds of pilgrims stranded. Authorities launched road-clearing operations using heavy machinery, but continuous rainfall hampered restoration efforts.
The Adi Kailash Yatra has been suspended until further notice as a precautionary measure amid persistent rain and the heightened risk of landslides. District administrations have advised pilgrims to postpone their travel plans until weather conditions improve.
Heavy rain also prompted authorities to close schools in several districts, including Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Pithoragarh, to ensure the safety of students.
The IMD has warned of continued heavy to very heavy rainfall across parts of Uttarakhand over the next 24 to 48 hours, with the possibility of flash floods, landslides and rising river levels. Disaster response teams have been deployed in vulnerable areas, while residents have been advised to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
The widespread disruptions come as Maharashtra continues to battle one of the season's heaviest spells of rainfall.
Relentless monsoon rains have brought normal life to a standstill across Mumbai, Thane, Pune and neighbouring districts. Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport witnessed delays, diversions and cancellations due to poor visibility and adverse weather, prompting airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air and SpiceJet, to issue travel advisories asking passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
Mumbai University cancelled all examinations scheduled for Monday, while the Maharashtra government declared a holiday for schools and colleges in Mumbai and Thane. In an unprecedented move, Mumbai's iconic Dabbawala service also suspended operations for the day for the first time in its 125-year history, citing employee safety.
Heavy rainfall also triggered landslides on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, disrupted suburban and long-distance rail services, suspended Mumbai-Pune bus operations, and inundated several parts of Raigad district as rivers flowed above danger levels.
The IMD has warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to continue across several parts of Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttarakhand and adjoining states, urging residents to remain alert, avoid flooded or landslide-prone areas and follow official weather advisories.
