Heavy rains lash Delhi, lead to traffic jams

Heavy rains lashed Delhi Tuesday evening flooding roads and causing traffic jams thus giving a tough time to commuters.

While 1.55 mm of rainfall was recorded in Delhi from 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Tuesday, a sudden downpour in the evening led to traffic jams.

Key intersections like the ITO crossing - a major point connecting central and east Delhi, Ring Road and roads connecting Delhi to its satellite towns of Noida and Gurgaon witnessed jams due to flooding at several spots.

"Though we were waiting for it to rain, this downpour is harrowing, especially while going home from office," said Rajesh Majumdar, who was caught in a traffic backup near Akshardham temple, on his way to Delhi from Noida.

"Roads are looking like flowing drains. The rain is welcome, but not the traffic jams," said Shalini, a software professional.

More rainfall has been forecast for Delhi Wednesday by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The national capital received 1.8 mm of rain from 8.30 a.m. Monday to 8.30 a.m. Tuesday.

The maximum temperature settled at 35.4 degrees Celsius Tuesday while the minimum temperature was 25.8 degrees Celsius, two notches below average.

The maximum temperature Wednesday is expected to be around 36 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to be around 26 degrees Celsius.