Water-logged roads, massive traffic jams after Delhi downpour

Heavy rains, accompanied by thunder and lightning, lashed the capital Tuesday resulting in flooded roads and massive traffic jams, thereby dampening the Raksha Bandhan festivities.

The met department has forecast showers Wednesday which could spell more trouble for commuters in the capital.

A total of 95.2 millimetres of rain was recorded between 8.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. Tuesday.

There was no significant drop in the maximum temperature, which was recorded at 33.5 degrees Celsius.

The minimum temperature settled three notches below average at 23.7 degrees Celsius while humidity wavered between a high and low of 97 and 67 percent.

Vehicles moved at a snail's pace in north and south Delhi due to clogged drains that left roads water-logged.

The Delhi traffic police issued advisory on social networking sites like Facebook.

Lightning and thunder were reported from some parts of north Delhi.

"Traffic is heavy on the Ring Road stretch from Moolchand (in south Delhi) to Dhaula Kuan (around 10 km) due to the heavy downpour," said a traffic police officer.

Commuters who were rushing to their destinations to celebrate the festival of Raksha Bandhan were left high and dry due to the showers.

"Traffic jams are the same story every year. Soon sisters will be sending e-rakhis and brothers online gifts," tweeted Niraj Shah of south Delhi.

"It is just a 15-minute ride from the Metro station to my home but I have been stuck in the traffic for over an hour now," said Naresh Kumar of Outram Lines in north Delhi.

Maximum and minimum temperatures Wednesday are likely to hover around 34 and 24 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Since the arrival of monsoon, the capital has received 650 mm of rainfall, 44 percent above average.

Raksha Bandhan festival involves tying of a "rakhi" (sacred thread) by a sister on her brother's wrist for his well-being while he vows to protect her.