On Raksha Bandhan morning, Delhi-NCR woke up to an orange alert from the IMD, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and moderate rain. Overnight showers caused widespread waterlogging, with the PWD receiving over 25 complaints from areas like Saket, Najafgarh, Keshavpuram, and ITO. Key roads, including GT Karnal Road, Mathura Road, and Lala Lajpat Rai Marg, were flooded, slowing traffic to a crawl.

Delhi Police issued a traffic advisory, urging commuters to avoid Old GT Road due to severe congestion at GTK Depot, Jahangirpuri, and Adarsh Nagar, and instead use the Delhi Metro.

In the last 24 hours, Safdarjung recorded 78.7 mm rainfall, while Pragati Maidan topped at 100.3 mm. Flight-tracking data showed average departure delays of 15 minutes, though Delhi Airport maintained operations were normal, advising passengers to check with airlines before travel.

With festive rush and monsoon chaos colliding, city authorities are on high alert. Residents are advised to plan routes, carry rain gear, and expect slow movement throughout the day.