Heavy rain causes waterlogging and flight diversions in Delhi-NCR
Weather office issues red and orange alerts as thunderstorms and heavy rainfall disrupt transport and daily life across the capital region.
Quick Look
- Heavy rainfall in Delhi-NCR led to widespread waterlogging and the diversion of 15 flights.
- The India Meteorological Department issued red and orange alerts for the region, citing thunderstorms and strong winds affecting multiple districts and surrounding areas.
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Why It Matters
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) monitors weather patterns and issues alerts for extreme conditions. Delhi frequently experiences infrastructure challenges during monsoon-related heavy rainfall.
Heavy rain lashed Delhi-NCR on Monday, causing widespread waterlogging, traffic snarls and flight disruptions, with 15 Delhi-bound flights diverted. Fifteen flights Delhi-bound flights diverted, including two international flights, with 11 diverted to Jaipur. Passengers have been advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest flight updates.
The weather office issued red and orange alerts for heavy to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and winds of up to 40 kmph. Heavy rain and thunderstorms were witnessed at isolated places in South East Delhi, East Delhi, Shahdara, Central Delhi, North East Delhi, South Delhi, New Delhi, South West Delhi, West Delhi, North West Delhi and North Delhi.
Between 8.30am and 11.30am, Chhatarpur recorded the highest rainfall in Delhi at 28mm, followed by Lodi Road at 24.6mm and Pitampura at 18.5mm, according to the IMD. The Ridge recorded 5mm of rainfall, Mayur Vihar 1.5mm, Safdarjung 1mm and Ayanagar 0.1mm during the period. The showers were accompanied by strong winds in several areas, with waterlogging reported around New Ashok Nagar Metro Station, Burari, C R Park and Alaknanda.
Commuters took to social media to share visuals of waterlogged roads and traffic disruptions. Commuters were seen wading through the flooded Zakhira underpass, while rainwater accumulated in a parking lot at Connaught Place. Students navigated severely waterlogged streets in Sangam Vihar, and children were seen swimming and playing on inundated roads in Durga Vihar. Waterlogging was also reported from Gurugram's Sector 46 and several locations in Noida, including Sector 95.
Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 27.8 degrees Celsius at Safdarjung on Monday, 1.4 degrees above normal. The Ridge recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the city at 24 degrees Celsius.
Airlines issue travel advisory: Air India advised passengers travelling to and from Delhi to check their flight status before heading to the airport, warning that adverse weather could impact flight operations. IndiGo also issued a travel advisory, saying bad weather over Delhi had affected flight schedules. The airline urged passengers to check their flight status on its website or app before leaving for the airport and advised them to allow additional travel time as road conditions could be slower than usual.
Open Questions
- When will flight operations return to normal?
- What is the estimated timeline for clearing waterlogged areas?