Delhi on red alert amid heavy rain: Will weather disrupt movement during BRICS Summit?
The IMD said many areas are likely to receive moderate to heavy rainfall in the next few hours. In view of the forecast, its district-level nowcast has issued a red alert.
Rain lashed parts of Delhi on Friday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for the next few hours as moderate to heavy rainfall is expected across many areas, PTI reported. Some parts of the city, including central Delhi, received light to moderate rain.
The IMD said many areas are likely to receive moderate to heavy rainfall until 5 pm. In view of the forecast, its district-level nowcast has issued a red alert.
Meteorologists said Delhi could also experience light to moderate rain during the evening hours. Rainfall activity is likely to continue across the national capital for the next two days, till Sunday.
Quick answers to key questions
Heavy rainfall is expected in Delhi during the BRICS Summit, which could create challenges for traffic arrangements, especially around Bharat Mandapam and designated VVIP routes.
Traffic restrictions will be enforced on over 35 roads from September 10 to 14, depending on the movement of VVIP convoys, with 22 designated diversion points and controlled areas.
Commuters are advised to avoid routes that include Sardar Patel Marg, Mathura Road, and other key roads around Bharat Mandapam, as these may face traffic diversions and restrictions.
Metro services are expected to operate as usual, but buses and taxis may face diversions and delays. It's recommended to check real-time updates for any changes.
Residents can track real-time traffic updates via Google Maps, Mappls Apps, and the Delhi Traffic Police's social media channels for the latest advisories and restrictions.
Delhi-NCR is likely to see spells of rain over the weekend, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting showers on September 12 and 13, coinciding with the first two days of the summit.
On Saturday, September 12, very light to light rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is expected at several places from early morning to the forenoon. The weather may turn wetter again later in the day, with another spell of light to moderate rain likely from the evening through the night.
Is Delhi's rain forecast a concern ahead of the BRICS Summit?
The weather warning comes as Delhi prepares for a major diplomatic gathering. The capital will host the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam on September 12 and 13, with India holding the group's chairship this year. The summit is being held under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, which draws on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of “Humanity First” and a people-centric approach.
The two-day event is expected to see the participation of leaders from BRICS member and partner nations, besides countries invited for outreach.
The movement of foreign delegations, diplomatic convoys and thousands of security personnel is expected to intensify across the capital during the summit. Authorities are therefore closely monitoring the weather, as prolonged or heavy rainfall could create challenges for traffic arrangements around Bharat Mandapam and designated VVIP routes. There has, however, been no official indication of any disruption to the summit because of the weather.
Residents have been advised to exercise caution as the city enters a week of heightened security. Traffic police have asked people to avoid waterlogged and low-lying areas and follow weather and traffic advisories.
The expected rainfall is linked to the monsoon axis, which is currently passing over the city, meteorologists said.
“In the north, since the monsoon axis will quickly move down, easterlies will take over from tomorrow (Friday) onwards; parts of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, and Rajasthan are expected to receive a passing spell of moderate rains in the afternoon and evening hours starting tomorrow (Friday) into the weekend. Although these spells are going to be mostly localised, with general coverage of 30-40%, not everyone in the plains will receive rain from this spell,” meteorologist Navdeep Dahiya was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
About the Author
Kanishka Singharia is a Senior Content Producer at Mint with a passion for news, trends, and the stories shaping the digital world. She specialises in spotting viral narratives by constantly tracking social media platforms and turning them into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Her work ranges from fast-paced breaking updates to sensitive human-interest features, blending speed with clarity. <br><br> With over four years of experience in news and trend reporting, Kanishka has worked with leading organisations such as Hindustan Times and Times Now. She moves seamlessly between profiling business leaders and telling the stories of everyday people, covering national developments just as effortlessly as the memes and conversations that dominate online culture. <br><br> She also reports on real estate developments and civic challenges in major urban hubs like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Gurugram. Her coverage frequently explores the struggles of startup founders, inspiring journeys of CEOs, and the experiences of candidates dealing with the complexities of visa processes. <br><br> Kanishka holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism from Delhi University and a diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. Rarely offline, she spends much of her time scrolling through X, LinkedIn, Reddit, Instagram, and Facebook in search of the next big story. When she finally logs off, she enjoys binge-watching shows and exploring cafes in pursuit of good food and better conversations.
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