New Delhi: The national capital witnessed a dramatic weather shift on Tuesday as heavy rain and thunderstorms swept across Delhi-NCR, offering much-needed relief from the sweltering summer heat. The downpour, accompanied by gusty winds and lightning, brought temperatures down significantly, but also caused widespread disruptions in air traffic and local commute.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), strong thunderstorm activity is expected to persist in parts of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and surrounding regions over the next 24 hours. A yellow alert has been issued, warning residents to remain cautious of waterlogging, traffic snarls, and flight delays.
IMD Forecast and Temperature Drop
The IMD reported that Delhi’s maximum temperature, which had been hovering near 40°C, dropped by nearly 8 degrees following the rain. The city recorded a high of 31.5°C on Tuesday afternoon, providing a welcome break from the prolonged heatwave that had gripped northern India.
“This is due to a western disturbance active over North India, which is causing moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea to interact with high daytime temperatures,” said an IMD official.
Air Traffic and Transportation Hit
The heavy rainfall affected flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport, with several flights delayed and a few diverted due to low visibility and stormy conditions. Passengers were advised to check flight status with airlines before heading to the airport.
Delhi Traffic Police also reported multiple cases of waterlogging and fallen trees across major routes, particularly in South and East Delhi, urging commuters to plan travel accordingly.
Public Reaction
Residents took to social media to share images and videos of the stormy skies and rain-soaked streets, calling it a “much-needed blessing” after weeks of unbearable heat. While the rain brought relief, it also exposed drainage issues in low-lying areas, with some neighborhoods reporting ankle-deep water and power outages.
What’s Ahead?
The IMD has forecast similar weather conditions for the next 48 hours, with intermittent showers, lightning, and gusty winds (30–50 km/h) expected in the capital region. Authorities have advised people to stay indoors during stormy spells and avoid sheltering under trees or near electric poles.
