Rain lashes Delhi as IMD issues red alert, day before BRICS Summit

Parts of the national capital were lashed by heavy rain on Friday, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert warning of more intense showers over the next few hours. The downpour has triggered waterlogging at several spots across the city, disrupting the usual flow of traffic during peak hours.

The Delhi Traffic Police put out an advisory soon after the rain intensified, warning commuters that temporary waterlogging at some locations could affect vehicle movement. The force asked people to drive cautiously, factor in extra travel time and follow instructions from traffic personnel on the ground. Anyone facing difficulty on the roads has been advised to call the Delhi Traffic Police helpline at 1095.advertisement❮❯ Read Full StoryWILL THE RAIN AFFECT THE BRICS SUMMIT IN DELHI?The red alert comes at a sensitive time for the capital. New Delhi is set to host the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam on September 12 and 13, under India's chairship for the year. The summit's theme this year is Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability, inspired by the prime minister's vision of Humanity First and a people-centric approach.

The two-day summit is expected to bring together leaders of BRICS member and partner countries as well as outreach invitees. The gathering is drawing particular attention because of the possible presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with the wider geopolitical backdrop surrounding the expanded grouping. Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to attend, with a bilateral meeting between Putin and Xi planned on the sidelines of the summit.

With thousands of security personnel, diplomatic convoys and foreign delegations expected to move through the city over the coming days, authorities will be watching the weather closely. Sustained heavy rain could complicate traffic management plans already in place around the summit venue and VVIP routes, even though no official disruption to the event has been reported so far.

For now, residents have been urged to stay alert, avoid low-lying and waterlogged stretches, and keep an eye on updates from both the IMD and Delhi Traffic Police as the city heads into a high security week. - EndsPublished By: sharangee Published On: Sep 11, 2026 14:34 IST