NEW DELHI: Delhi education minister

Atishi announced

on Wednesday that all schools in the national capital, both government and private, will remain closed on Thursday due to

heavy rainfall

that has led to

waterlogging

in many areas, causing significant disruptions for commuters.
Heavy rain lashed most parts of Delhi-NCR on Wednesday evening, resulting in flooded roads and slow-moving traffic as people sought shelter.

In a post on X, Atishi said, “In light of very heavy rainfall this evening and the forecast of heavy rainfall tomorrow, all schools—government and private—will remain closed tomorrow.”
The

India Meteorological Department

(IMD) reported that clouds had converged over Delhi from all directions, prompting an advisory for residents to avoid unnecessary travel. “Clouds have converged over Delhi from all four sectors. Widespread light to moderate rainfall with isolated intense to very intense spells (3-5 cm/hr) is likely over Delhi in the next two hours,” the IMD posted on X.
The IMD also forecast that rainy conditions would persist in the national capital until August 5. According to the IMD, Mayur Vihar in East Delhi recorded 119 mm of rain between 8:30 am and 8:30 pm on Wednesday, while the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting reported 118 mm in Noida.

Several airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and SpiceJet, have issued advisories about flight diversions and advised passengers to check their flight status and leave for the airport early.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has instructed all concerned officials to remain vigilant and address issues in waterlogging-prone areas, including locations with coaching centers. “I have cautioned all officers to remain alert in light of the ongoing heavy downpour in Delhi. Apart from ensuring minimum inconvenience to people, they are advised to specifically address issues at sites prone to waterlogging, including coaching centers,” the L-G said in a post on X.