The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Delhi-NCR, warning of thunderstorms, gusty winds up to 60 kmph, lightning, and moderate rainfall, particularly during nighttime hours. The advisory, in effect through Thursday, also cautions against potential hazards to life, livestock, and infrastructure, urging residents to avoid non-essential travel and remain indoors. On Tuesday, pre-monsoon showers brought relief from intense summer heat but triggered widespread disruptions: 14 flights were diverted, more than 400 delayed, and major roads in the capital witnessed severe waterlogging and traffic congestion. Air quality remained in the 'moderate' category amid the shifting weather.
Weather Advisory and Public Safety Measures
The IMD’s yellow alert, active through mid-week, reflects an elevated risk of thunderstorms paired with lightning and high-velocity winds ranging between 50 to 60 kmph. Maximum temperatures are forecast to remain near 34 degrees Celsius, with minimum temperatures around 27 degrees. The weather office has flagged moderate thunderstorms as a public hazard, especially in open areas, warning of the possibility of lightning strikes and travel disruptions.
Residents have been advised to take precautionary steps such as unplugging electrical appliances during lightning activity, avoiding mobile phone use outdoors, and refraining from sheltering under trees or metal structures. Agricultural workers and outdoor laborers have been explicitly urged to cease operations and take immediate shelter in enclosed spaces.
The IMD has encouraged citizens to stay updated via its official platforms and reputable media channels to navigate potential storm-related developments.
Disruptions at Delhi Airport and Across the City
Despite providing relief from the summer heat, Tuesday’s rainfall brought chaos to air travel and urban traffic. Within just one hour—between 3 pm and 4 pm—Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport reported 14 diverted flights due to adverse weather conditions. Diversions included six flights rerouted to Bhopal, three to Chandigarh, two to Amritsar, and one each to Ahmedabad, Varanasi, and Lucknow.
Real-time data from aviation tracking portal Flightradar24 indicated that more than 400 flights experienced delays, with some cancellations also noted. Heavy rainfall further exacerbated travel woes by flooding key urban underpasses and thoroughfares, including Delhi Cantonment, Zakhira, Pul Prahladpur, ITO, and major stretches of Najafgarh and Rohtak Roads, severely impacting vehicular movement.
Rainfall Data and Temperature Fluctuations
According to meteorological readings, several parts of Delhi received varied rainfall intensities. The Safdarjung weather station reported 10 mm, Lodhi Road 5 mm, Pusa a significant 41 mm, Narayana 15 mm, and Ayanagar 23 mm. Wind speeds reaching 35 to 40 kmph were recorded at the Palam and Safdarjung stations during the afternoon and evening hours.
The maximum temperature for the day dropped to 36.2 degrees Celsius—3.8 degrees below the seasonal norm—while the minimum remained slightly above average at 28 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity stood at 61% at 5:30 pm, contributing to a slightly muggy yet cooler ambiance than previous days.
Air Quality Remains in ‘Moderate’ Category
Despite the storms, Delhi’s air quality remained in the 'moderate' zone. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) measured the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 104 as of 4 pm Tuesday. As per CPCB benchmarks, AQI levels between 101 and 200 fall within the ‘moderate’ bracket, indicating acceptable air quality for the general population but with some concern for sensitive individuals.
Outlook
With the yellow alert extended through Thursday, residents in the capital are advised to remain vigilant. While the weather offers relief from soaring temperatures, the IMD’s warnings underline the unpredictable nature of the monsoon’s arrival. Precaution, timely information, and minimal exposure to outdoor hazards will remain critical as Delhi navigates this period of atmospheric volatility.
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