Heavy Rain Triggers Red Alert in Parts of Delhi
Parts of Delhi were placed under a red alert on Tuesday after intense rainfall lashed the city, throwing daily life out of gear and prompting airlines to issue travel advisories. The sudden downpour, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds, led to a noticeable drop in temperature and worsened travel conditions across the national capital and adjoining NCR regions.
The India Meteorological Department has warned that the unsettled weather may continue through the day, with the possibility of hailstorms in some areas.
Sudden Downpour Brings Back Winter Chill
Temperatures Drop Sharply Across the City
The heavy rain led to a sharp dip in temperatures, deepening the cold spell that has gripped Delhi over the past few days.
- Minimum temperature recorded: 8 degrees Celsius
- Expected maximum temperature: Around 23 degrees Celsius
Residents woke up to gloomy skies, chilly winds, and steady rainfall, a stark contrast to the relatively clear conditions seen a day earlier.
Thunderstorms and Hail Forecast for Delhi-NCR
IMD Issues Fresh Warning
Along with heavy rain, the India Meteorological Department has forecast thunderstorms and hail in several parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region. According to the weather office, strong winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph are expected, with gusts possibly touching 60 kmph in some areas.
The combination of rain, lightning, and gusty winds has increased the risk of traffic disruptions, fallen trees, and localised waterlogging.
Airlines Issue Travel Advisories Amid Disruptions
Flights Affected Due to Bad Weather
As weather conditions worsened, airlines operating out of Delhi Airport issued advisories warning passengers of possible delays and disruptions.
IndiGo Advisory
IndiGo said that adverse weather in Delhi had impacted flight schedules. The airline stated it was closely monitoring the situation and urged passengers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport.
Akasa Air Update
Akasa Air also confirmed that severe weather conditions in Delhi had affected some flights across its network, advising passengers to remain alert for updates.
SpiceJet Warning
SpiceJet cautioned that heavy rain in the capital could impact both arrivals and departures, potentially causing delays throughout the day.
Passengers have been advised to allow extra time for airport travel and stay updated through airline alerts.
What’s Causing the Sudden Weather Change?
Western Disturbance Behind the Rain
The IMD has attributed the current spell of rain and thunderstorms to an intense Western Disturbance affecting north India.
This weather system is expected to bring:
- Light to moderate rain in Delhi-NCR
- Snowfall across parts of the western Himalayan region
- Isolated heavy rainfall or snowfall in higher altitudes
- Possible hailstorms on Tuesday
The disturbance is likely to influence weather conditions across the region until Wednesday.
Strong Winds and Lightning Add to Concerns
Safety Advisory for Residents
The weather department has warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds. Residents have been advised to:
- Avoid open areas during lightning
- Stay indoors during intense spells of rain
- Secure loose objects on balconies and rooftops
- Drive cautiously due to slippery roads and reduced visibility
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent weather-related incidents.
Republic Day Celebrations Held Under Chilly Conditions
Cold Wave Tightened Grip on North India
The sudden weather shift follows an already cold start to the week. Republic Day celebrations across north India were held under chilly conditions, with temperatures dropping sharply in several cities.
In Delhi, Monday began with clear skies but unusually cold weather, making it one of the coldest mornings of the season.
Delhi Recorded One of the Coldest Mornings This Winter
Temperature Details From Weather Stations
Safdarjung, Delhi’s primary weather station, recorded a minimum temperature of 4.2 degrees Celsius on Monday, which was more than two degrees lower than the previous day.
Ayanagar emerged as the coldest area in the capital, with the temperature dipping to 3.6 degrees Celsius.
Despite the cold conditions, the maximum temperature on Monday reached 23.2 degrees Celsius, slightly above normal and nearly five degrees higher than the previous day.
No Rain on Monday, Sudden Shift on Tuesday
From Clear Skies to Heavy Showers
Interestingly, despite the cold snap on Monday, no rainfall was recorded at any weather station in Delhi. The day remained dry and stable, offering a brief window of calm before Tuesday’s intense weather activity.
The sharp contrast between the two days highlights the unpredictability of winter weather patterns in the region.
Air Quality Worsens Again After Brief Improvement
AQI Slips Back Into Poor Category
After a short period of relatively cleaner air, Delhi’s pollution levels have worsened once again. As of 7:30 am on Tuesday, the Air Quality Index stood at 281, placing it in the poor category.
While rain usually helps settle dust and pollutants, fluctuating wind patterns and weather instability have limited its positive impact on air quality so far.
What Residents Should Expect Next
More Weather Fluctuations Likely
Meteorologists say that while rain may ease later, cloudy skies, strong winds, and cold conditions are likely to persist. The possibility of hail and thunderstorms remains, especially in parts of Delhi-NCR.
Commuters are advised to stay updated on weather alerts and plan travel accordingly, particularly those heading to airports or using major arterial roads.
Final Takeaway for Delhiites
The red alert issued for parts of Delhi serves as a reminder of how quickly weather conditions can change during winter. With heavy rain, thunderstorms, and flight disruptions already reported, residents and travellers are urged to remain cautious and stay informed.
As the Western Disturbance continues to influence the region, Delhi can expect more unstable weather in the coming hours, making preparedness and awareness key to navigating the day safely.
