Heavy rain, thunder, and strong winds hit Delhi and surrounding areas on Saturday night, causing major waterlogging. This disrupted flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport and created difficulties for daily commuters.
Rainfall and Storm Intensity
According to the Meteorological Department, 81.2 mm of rainfall was recorded in just six hours between 11:30 PM Saturday and 5:30 AM Sunday. Wind speeds reached up to 82 km/h, uprooting trees and disrupting power supply in several areas.
Flight Disruptions
Due to the heavy rainfall, several flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport were delayed. Airline Indigo reported on social media that its operations were temporarily affected by bad weather. The situation returned to normal after two hours, but by 7:30 AM, the average flight delay was 46 minutes.
Severe Waterlogging in Several Areas
Areas like Moti Bagh, Minto Road, and near Terminal 1 of the airport experienced severe waterlogging. Roads were flooded, causing traffic jams and major inconvenience to commuters.
Weather Department Warning
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Delhi and nearby regions. Citizens have been advised to stay indoors, avoid standing under trees or near unstable walls, and remain cautious of possible hazards.
Early Arrival of Monsoon
This rain and storm have been linked to the early arrival of the southwest monsoon. It reached Kerala a week earlier than usual, marking the earliest onset since 2009.
Public Advisory
Authorities have urged the public to follow official weather updates and contact emergency services when needed.