When Delhi got hammered by heavy rain on October 2, 2025, the city’s beloved DussehraDelhi celebrations turned into a scramble for shelter.
Weather Alerts and the IMD’s Yellow Warning
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had already sounded a yellow alert for Delhi and its neighbor Noida. The agency’s Regional Meteorological Centre in New Delhi warned of light rain, thunderstorms, and lightning for the next two to three hours on Thursday evening. In its nowcast, the IMD listed every district from South East Delhi to North West Delhi, spelling out a city‑wide risk.
What’s odd is that the forecast didn’t just predict a drizzle; it warned of gusty winds and sudden downpours that could quickly flood streets. As the clouds thickened, the temperature hovered around a sweltering 33 °C, while humidity peaked at 85 %. Residents who had been coping with a dry, sticky spell finally felt a welcome, if soggy, relief.
Disruption of Dussehra Festivities
Celebrants at the traditional Lav Kush Ramlila in Old Delhi were forced to huddle under makeshift awnings as raindrops hammered the stage. Video footage showed the towering Raavan effigies drenched within minutes, their heads sagging, and in a few spots the statues collapsed onto the ground. In Chandni Chowk, shoppers ducked behind market stalls while the iconic Raavan effigy at Lal Kuan Bazar toppled and slid into a puddle, drawing gasps and a chorus of “oh no!” from onlookers.
The Press Trust of India reported that thousands of attendees scrambled for chairs, hoardings, and any dry spot they could find. “It felt like the monsoon snuck in early,” one witness said, shaking water from his shirt. Organisers tried to keep the spirit alive, lighting torches and chanting, but the rain kept stealing the spotlight.
Air Quality Gets a Breather
While the rain drenched the streets, it also washed away a layer of particulate matter that had been choking the capital. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) logged an Air Quality Index of 114 on Thursday morning – a moderate reading compared with the “poor” levels of the previous week. The sudden dip in pollutants gave residents a brief, much‑needed sigh of relief, even if their shoes were now soaked.
Experts noted that the rain‑induced drop in AQI was temporary, warning that stagnant air could bring the numbers back up once the skies cleared. Still, the immediate effect was tangible: a cooler breeze, less visible smog, and a quieter hum of traffic as drivers slowed for water‑logged roads.
Regional Outlook: Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Beyond
The IMD’s forecast wasn’t limited to the capital. Light rain and thunderstorms were also flagged for parts of Haryana – Panipat, Charkhi Dadri, Jhajjar, and Farukhnagar – as well as for Uttar Pradesh cities like Bareilly, Lucknow, and Kanpur. In the western districts of Meerut and Ghaziabad, officials expect isolated showers in the late afternoon.
Eastern Uttar Pradesh, especially Varanasi and Gorakhpur, may see brief moderate showers thanks to moisture moving in from the Bay of Bengal. The agency warned that the monsoon retreat could be delayed this year, meaning above‑normal rainfall may linger through October.
What the Next Week Holds for Delhi‑NCR Residents
Looking ahead, the IMD predicts a 64 % chance of rain on October 2, followed by a 47 % chance of isolated thunderstorms on October 3. Temperatures will dip slightly – highs around 34 °C and lows near 25 °C – before hovering in the mid‑30s for the remainder of the week. Overcast skies will dominate the days of October 4‑5, with only a “late‑day shower” possibility on the 5th.
But the real wildcard is October 6, when the department expects another spell of heavy rain as dark clouds roll back in. Residents are being urged to keep an eye on local alerts, avoid unnecessary travel during peak hours, and stay clear of low‑lying areas that could flood again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the heavy rain affect Dussehra celebrations in Delhi?
The downpour drenched Raavan effigies, causing many to collapse or slide into waterlogged streets. Attendees rushed for shelter under chairs and market stalls, and several scheduled performances, like the Lav Kush Ramlila, had to pause or move indoors.
What warnings did the India Meteorological Department issue for Delhi‑NCR?
The IMD issued a yellow alert for Delhi and Noida, forecasting light rain, thunderstorms, and lightning for the next two to three hours on Thursday evening. They also warned of possible isolated thunderstorms on October 3 and a heavier spell on October 6.
Did the rain improve air quality in the city?
Yes. The Central Pollution Control Board recorded an AQI of 114 (moderate) on Thursday morning, down from previous “poor” levels. The rain helped wash away particulate matter, giving residents a short‑lived breath of fresher air.
Which other regions are expected to see similar weather conditions?
The forecast extends to parts of Haryana (Panipat, Jhajjar, Farukhnagar), Uttar Pradesh (Bareilly, Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi) and neighboring districts of Delhi. Light to moderate showers are likely, with a higher chance of heavy rain on October 6 across the broader north‑Indian belt.
What precautions should residents take in the coming days?
Authorities advise avoiding travel during peak rain periods, keeping umbrellas and waterproof footwear handy, and staying clear of low‑lying streets that could flood. Monitoring IMD alerts and CPCB updates will help people plan around sudden thunderstorms.
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