The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red warning for heavy rainfall in parts of Delhi-NCR, warning that rainfall could become intense over short periods.

The weather department forecast spells of rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, with moderate to heavy showers particularly likely during the afternoon.

Rainfall was also expected to continue into the evening and night in some parts of the region.

At Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, heavy rain led to waterlogging and affected normal operations.

According to FlightRadar, flights at the airport were facing an average delay of around 17 minutes.

More rain expected on Saturday

Delhi started Friday under generally cloudy skies as unsettled weather continued across the capital.

At Safdarjung, the IMD forecast a maximum temperature of around 32°C, along with moderate rain.

The local forecast also pointed to thunderstorms, lightning and moderate to heavy rainfall during the afternoon.

The wet spell is expected to continue beyond Friday.

The IMD has forecast another day of heavy rainfall over the Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi region on Saturday.

Delhi's local forecast also indicates moderate rain, thunderstorms and lightning at different times during the day.

The warning extends beyond the capital to other parts of the National Capital Region.

West Uttar Pradesh, which includes several NCR areas, is also under a heavy-rain warning for September 4 and 5, according to the IMD.

Why is Delhi receiving heavy rain?

The latest spell of rain is linked to an active monsoon system over north-central India.

According to the IMD, a well-marked low-pressure area over northeast Madhya Pradesh and adjoining regions is generating significant rainfall across parts of central India.

The weather system is expected to continue influencing conditions as it persists over the region.

For Delhi-NCR, the immediate forecast remains dominated by clouds, rain and thunderstorms through Saturday.

Rainfall intensity is expected to ease after that.

The IMD currently has no heavy-rain warning for the Delhi subdivision from September 6 onwards, although light rain or drizzle may continue in some areas.