The skies of Delhi grew cloudy once more this week with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) sending out a yellow warning for thunderstorms, lightning, and squally winds up to Thursday. The heat finally broke with heavy rains, but flooding and flight delays caused trouble for people in Delhi, leaving many stuck and on alert..
Tuesday’s pre-monsoon rains, however much a relief, were spoilsport for air passengers and road commuters alike. From clogged traffic to diverted flights, the effects of the rains were anything but mild. With wind speeds of 60 kmph and more likely to blow in the next two or three nights, IMD warning has requested citizens to remain indoors and keep everything else on the back burner.
More Inordinate Rain, Low Visibility, Flights Disrupted
More than 400 flights were reported to be delayed, and at least 14 flights were diverted between 3 PM and 4 PM on Tuesday. Several major cities including Delhi, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Varanasi, and Lucknow had to divert flights for unexpected landings. Air passengers at Delhi airport stood in queues, hanging in bud, waiting.
Air traffic was hit hard, with some cancellations too, Flightradar24 reports. It wasn’t just the sky that got a mess—Delhi roads weren’t any better either.
Waterlogged Roads, Gridlocked Traffic, Commute Hells
There were areas where roads were waterlogged near till knee level—ITO, Delhi Cantonment underpass, Najafgarh Road, and Zakhira. Images and videos of cars half-submerged going viral on social media, with individuals hours late for work or stuck for the commute home after work or on errands.
Farmers and farmhands were advised to cease work and head to shelter. IMD also advised against the use of mobiles in the open during a thunderstorm, holding them in the shadow of a tree, or rushing out into rain.
Drop in Temperature Offers Momentary Relief
As the temperature dipped to 36.2°C on Tuesday, about 3.8 degrees below the normal, humidity was kept at 61%, leaving the air soggy and uncomfortable. Wednesday’s forecast for high of 34°C and low of 27°C.
Rainfall statistics showed a spotty record: Pusa got 41 mm, Ayanagar 23 mm, Narayana 15 mm, and Safdarjung 10 mm. Gusty winds at 35-40 kmph added to the disoriented mix.
Rain Isn’t Over Yet—Stay Alert, Stay Updated
As the thunderstorms are most likely to last until Thursday evening, Delhiites are asked to track official IMD bulletins, remain indoors unnecessarily, and cut off electric appliances as the storms approach.
2 Machetes, 3 Blows: New Shocking Details Emerge in Raja Raghuvanshi Honeymoon Murder
The air remains ‘moderate’ (AQI: 104), but as unsettled conditions and uncertainties hold sway in the offing, it’s always a good idea to remain on one’s guard and prepared.
