Heavy Rain Disrupts Delhi: 15 Flights Diverted Amid Western Disturbance

A sudden downpour in Delhi on Tuesday evening, triggered by an active western disturbance, led to significant disruptions in air travel and traffic across the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an orange alert, forecasting moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning, which materialized as predicted.

Flight Operations Affected

The adverse weather conditions at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) resulted in the diversion of 15 flights. Eight flights were redirected to Jaipur, five to Lucknow, and two to Chandigarh. Visibility at the airport dropped sharply from 6,000 meters at 1:30 PM to 1,200 meters by 5:00 PM, complicating landing and takeoff procedures. Airlines such as Air India and IndiGo issued advisories urging passengers to check flight statuses and allow extra time for travel due to the inclement weather.

Traffic Chaos Across the City

The heavy rainfall also led to severe traffic congestion and waterlogging in several parts of Delhi. Key arterial roads, including Mathura Road, Lajpat Nagar Bridge, and Baba Bandha Singh Bahadur Setu, experienced bumper-to-bumper traffic. Commuters reported being stuck for extended periods, with some areas witnessing waterlogging near underpasses. The Delhi Traffic Police deployed additional personnel to manage the situation, but the persistent rain continued to hamper efforts.

Impact on Daily Life

The unexpected weather change caught many residents off guard, leading to widespread inconvenience. Social media platforms were flooded with images and videos of waterlogged streets and stranded vehicles, with citizens urging authorities to take immediate action. The sudden dip in temperatures also added to the discomfort, as the city experienced a sharp drop from a high of 36°C on Sunday to a maximum of 29.8°C on Tuesday.

Looking Ahead

As the city recovers from the disruptions, the IMD has cautioned that similar weather conditions may persist in the coming days. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather forecasts and plan their travel accordingly. The incident underscores the vulnerability of urban infrastructure to sudden weather changes and highlights the need for enhanced preparedness to mitigate such impacts in the future.