Adverse Weather Forces 49 Flight Diversions at Delhi Airport
New Delhi: Heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds struck the national capital in the early hours of Sunday, forcing 49 flights to be diverted between 11:30 pm and 4:00 am, including 17 international services.
“Due to adverse weather conditions in Delhi, 49 flights were diverted between 11:30 pm and 4 am. Normal services restored,” confirmed Delhi Airport sources, noting that the diversions included 17 international flights.
Passenger Advisory Issued
Delhi Airport issued a passenger advisory at 06:50 am on Sunday morning. In a social media post, the airport stated: “Due to adverse weather conditions last night, some flights have been impacted. Passengers are advised to check their flight status regularly and stay in touch with airline staff for updates. Our on-ground teams are diligently working with all stakeholders to ensure a seamless and efficient passenger experience.”
Dramatic Temperature Drop
The severe weather caused temperatures to plummet by 8-10 degrees Celsius across the capital. Lodhi Road recorded a drop from 31°C to 22°C, with the most significant decline occurring between 1:15 am and 2:30 am during the thunderstorm.
Temperature variations across Delhi monitoring stations:
- Safdarjung Airport: 31.0°C to 21.0°C
- Palam Airport: 29.0°C to 22.0°C
- Pusa: 31.8°C to 20.5°C
- Pragati Maidan: 31.4°C to 21.3°C
- Lodhi Road: 31.0°C to 22.3°C
Significant Rainfall Recorded
Over the past 24 hours, substantial rainfall was recorded across Delhi monitoring stations as of 08:30 hrs IST:
- Lodhi Road: 69.6 mm
- Aya Nagar: 37.0 mm
- Safdarjung: 81.4 mm
- Palam: 68.5 mm
- Ridge: 69.1 mm
Widespread Impact Across Delhi
The severe weather caused extensive disruption throughout the capital. Areas including Moti Bagh, Minto Road, and the vicinity of Delhi Airport Terminal 1 experienced significant impact. Video footage from Minto Road showed vehicles completely submerged due to severe waterlogging.
Cleanup operations were conducted on Akbar Road following multiple tree falls caused by the overnight storms and heavy rainfall in the National Capital Region. Severe waterlogging created traffic congestion and reduced vehicular movement at Dhaula Kuan, while the Nanakpura Underpass also experienced significant flooding.
Regional Weather Effects
The heavy rainfall and thunderstorms extended beyond Delhi, affecting several areas of Haryana’s Jhajjar district.
Weather Department Warnings
On Saturday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for Delhi and surrounding areas, forecasting severe thunderstorms, rainfall, and high-velocity winds over the following two to three hours.
The alert was issued as part of a Nowcast warning based on prevailing weather conditions. The IMD identified a thunderstorm system approaching Delhi and adjacent areas from the west/northwest direction. This system was expected to bring severe thunderstorms or dust-raising wind activity with frequent lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-60 km/h or higher, affecting portions of the city within one to two hours.
Safety Precautions Advised
The weather department urged residents to implement necessary safety measures, advising people to avoid open areas and refrain from seeking shelter under trees. Citizens were also cautioned against approaching weak walls, unstable structures, and water bodies.
The IMD warned of potential impacts including tree uprooting and branch damage. Agricultural crops such as bananas and papayas could experience moderate damage, while dried tree branches might fall due to strong winds. Dust storms were also predicted in certain parts of the city.
Authorities emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and taking all required precautions to ensure personal safety during the severe weather conditions.