Delhi Faces Severe Disruptions Amid Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms

Intense Storm Hits Delhi-NCR

In the early hours of May 25, 2025, Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) were struck by a severe thunderstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall and strong winds. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert late Saturday night, forecasting intense weather conditions, including wind speeds reaching up to 82 km/h and rainfall measuring 81.2 mm within a six-hour period.

Flight Operations Severely Affected

The adverse weather conditions led to significant disruptions at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). Between 11:30 PM on Saturday and 4:00 AM on Sunday, 49 flights, including 17 international ones, were diverted to nearby airports. Additionally, over 180 flights experienced delays, with average departure delays exceeding 30 minutes. Airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet issued advisories, urging passengers to check their flight statuses and stay in contact with airline staff for updates.

Widespread Waterlogging and Infrastructure Damage

The heavy downpour resulted in severe waterlogging across various parts of the city, including Moti Bagh, Minto Road, Delhi Cantonment, and areas near Terminal 1 of the airport. Visuals from these areas showed vehicles submerged in water, causing significant traffic disruptions. The storm also led to the uprooting of trees and damage to electricity poles, further exacerbating the situation.

Temperature Drop and Weather Forecast

The storm brought a significant drop in temperatures, with the city recording a minimum temperature of 19.8°C, approximately 7 degrees below the normal for this time of year. The IMD has indicated that while the immediate threat has subsided, residents should remain cautious as unstable weather conditions may persist.

Authorities' Response and Public Advisory

Emergency services were put on high alert to respond to incidents arising from the adverse weather conditions. The Delhi Airport issued a passenger advisory, stating that flight operations would remain partially affected due to the heavy rainfall and urging passengers to regularly check their flight statuses. Residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid waterlogged areas, and report any emergencies to the appropriate authorities.