Heavy rain lashes Delhi, causing flight disruptions and waterlogging

Several airlines, including IndiGo and Air India issued passenger advisories as rain lashed Delhi and adjoining areas on Saturday morning, causing flight disruptions at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.

Bad weather is currently affecting Delhi, leading to possible delays in flight operations, India's largest airline IndiGo said in a post on X, urging passengers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport.

"Bad weather is currently affecting Delhi, leading to possible delays in flight operations. Our teams are closely monitoring the situation, if you're travelling today, we recommend checking your flight status on our website or app before leaving for the airport. Please also allow for additional travel time, as road conditions may be slower than usual," it said.

Tata Group-owned carrier Air India also said that flight operations to and from Delhi may be affected due to adverse weather conditions today.

Due to severe weather conditions in Delhi certain flights across our network have been impacted, Akasa Air said.

However, Delhi Airport authorities said the flight operations are currently normal.

In an advisory issued at 10:30 AM, the IGI Airport-operator GMR said, "As per the Indian Meteorological Department's forecast, inclement weather conditions are expected in the vicinity of Delhi Airport. However, flight operations at Delhi Airport are currently normal. Our on-ground teams are working diligently with all stakeholders to ensure your journey remains hassle-free. For the latest flight information, passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines."

Delhi and adjoining areas like Noida and Ghaziabad received moderate showers on Saturday morning, bringing the minimum temperature down to 24.8 degrees Celsius, a dip of 3.4 degrees from the day before.

Several areas like Palam Airport tunnel, Geeta Colony, Mandi House and Subroto Park witnessed waterlogging, causing disruptions in civic life.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow-to-orange alert for the day, predicting light-moderate rain across the region.

According to data from the weather office, Safdarjung recorded 0.7 mm of rain between 11.30 pm on Friday and 5.30 am on Saturday. The weather station also recorded 1.3 mm of rain in the subsequent three hours till 8.30 am.

Palam recorded a minimum temperature of 22 degrees Celsius, 3.5 degrees lower than the day before; Lodhi Road recorded a minimum of 24.7 degrees Celsius; Ayanagar recorded a minimum of 24 degrees, a three-degree decrease from the day before.

"Light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of speed 30-40 kmph is likely across Delhi," an IMD official said. According to the forecast, the maximum temperature is likely to hover around 30 degrees Celsius.

Morning rain across Delhi-NCR prompted authorities to issue traffic advisory for the national capital.

"Traffic movement may be affected at various locations in Delhi due to temporary waterlogging following rainfall and rehearsals in connection with the upcoming BRICS Summit," Delhi Traffic Police said.

"We understand the inconvenience and delays these situations may cause. Our traffic personnel are on the ground, working continuously to assist commuters and keep traffic moving," it added.

The traffic police advised citizens to avoid stopping or parking under bridges, underpasses or on waterlogged stretches and keep areas clear to allow free passage to fellow commuters and emergency vehicles.