Heavy Rainfall in Delhi NCR; flights halted and IMD issues red alert
A red alert was issued by the IMD for the Delhi NCR region with a warning of high-speed winds, rain, and strong thunderstorms for the next two to three hours.
New Delhi (India) May 25: The Delhi-NCR was hit by intense rain and winds that provided much-needed relief from the intense summer heat.
Delhi and the surrounding districts were put under a red alert by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). A thunderstorm cell was moving towards Delhi and the surrounding areas from the west/northwest, according to the meteorological department’s nowcast.
The IMD said, “A thunderstorm cell is approaching Delhi and adjoining areas from the west/northwest.”
“Under its influence, severe thunderstorm/dust raising wind activity accompanied by frequent lightning and gusty winds (speed reaching 40-60 km/h or more) is likely to affect parts of the city in the next 1–2 hours.”
After intense rain and a thunderstorm hit the nation's capital early on Sunday, severe waterlogging was reported in a number of areas. The areas affected are Moti Bagh, Minto Road, Delhi Cantonment and Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg.
The IMD has advised people to stay away from open areas, avoid hiding under trees, avoid going near water bodies and avoid weak walls and unstable construction areas.
People have been advised by authorities to be cautious and take all required safety precautions.
A car was found drowned at the Minto Bridge which frequently experiences waterlogging at times of heavy rainfall.
Early on Sunday, strong winds and rain caused the Delhi airport to stop flight operations.
At 3:59 a.m., IndiGo posted on X that flight operations had been temporarily stopped due to unfavourable weather conditions over Delhi.
Indigo posted, “While the weather is gradually easing, some airside congestion remains. We assure you that flight movements are steadily resuming as conditions permit.”
SpiceJet has also advised travellers to check their flight status and stated that unfavourable weather conditions may have an impact on the departure and arrival flights.
Air India warned that on Sunday evening and night, flights to and from Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Delhi may also be affected by thunderstorms and strong winds.
The average flight delay was more than 30 minutes and a number of flights were cancelled or delayed.
Aadrika Tayal
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