Flight disruptions and gridlock as torrential rains batter Delhi-NCR

Heavy rains hit Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram on Tuesday, causing waterlogging, traffic jams, and delays for travellers. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that showers may continue in some areas, affecting daily life and travel. The rains provided relief from the unusually high temperatures that the city experienced in September.

Due to the heavy rain, several airlines including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air issued travel advisories. They asked passengers to check their flight status before leaving and to allow extra time for their journey. The heavy downpour slowed traffic, causing delays for travellers heading to airports and stations.

Many roads in Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram experienced severe waterlogging. Cars moved slowly, and commuters faced long traffic jams. Emergency services and police tried to manage traffic, but the sudden rain made it difficult. Residents and travellers were advised to be careful while commuting and to follow local traffic updates.

Airlines issue travel advisory

Air India, on its official social media account, warned that the heavy rains could affect flights to and from Delhi. Passengers were asked to check flight timings before starting their journey. Similarly, IndiGo asked travellers to "be aware of potential delays and allow additional time for your journey, especially with traffic moving slower than usual."

Akasa Air also issued a travel advisory, asking passengers to expect slow-moving traffic and congestion on roads leading to Delhi airport. SpiceJet added a similar warning, mentioning that flights could be affected due to adverse weather conditions.

The impact of the rain on flights was immediate. Five flights that were scheduled to land at Delhi airport were diverted to Jaipur between 12:15 pm and 12:30 pm on Tuesday, as reported by PTI. Airport officials said the diversion was necessary to ensure safety due to poor visibility and wet runways caused by the downpour.

Air passengers were advised to monitor weather updates and allow extra time for their commute. The rain not only caused traffic delays but also affected road and air travel, making travel planning difficult for many.

Weather conditions and impact on city life

The IMD reported that light to moderate rain was expected in several areas including Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and parts of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Cities like Sonipat, Charkhi Dadri, Jhajjar, Farukhnagar, Sohna, Rewari, Nuh in Haryana, and Noida, Khatauli, Sakoti Tanda in Uttar Pradesh were likely to see light showers.

The sudden rainfall brought relief to residents after unusually high temperatures in Delhi-NCR. On Monday, the maximum temperature reached 37.5 degrees Celsius, while the previous day it touched 38.1 degrees Celsius, making it one of the hottest September days in two years. With the rains, temperatures were expected to settle around 35 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature was recorded at 28.7 degrees Celsius, slightly above normal.

The relative humidity in the city was 74 per cent in the morning. Cloudy skies and intermittent rain were forecast throughout the day. The rain also helped reduce dust and pollution levels in the city. Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 114 in the morning, falling in the ‘moderate’ category. Moderate air quality is considered safe for most people, but sensitive groups are advised to take care.

While the rain brought much-needed relief, it also affected people attending the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations in Delhi. Thousands of devotees visiting pandals had to deal with waterlogged streets and traffic jams. Despite these challenges, many were happy that the temperature dropped and the festive mood continued.

The IMD advised citizens to be cautious on roads and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy showers. Local authorities and police continued to monitor waterlogging spots and traffic hotspots. Public transport services were also affected, with buses moving slower than usual and roads clogged with vehicles.

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The heavy rains in Delhi-NCR are a reminder of the city’s vulnerability to sudden weather changes, especially during the monsoon and post-monsoon season. Residents are advised to follow official updates, stay safe while travelling, and be patient in case of delays. Airlines and airport authorities are working to minimize the impact on passengers and ensure smooth operations despite the bad weather.

In summary, heavy rains lashed Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram on Tuesday, causing waterlogging, traffic jams, and flight disruptions. Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air issued advisories asking passengers to check flight status and allow extra time for travel. Five flights were diverted to Jaipur due to poor weather at Delhi airport.

The rains brought relief from high September temperatures, lowering the city’s maximum temperature to around 35 degrees Celsius. While festivals like Durga Puja continued, locals faced challenges due to slow traffic and waterlogged streets. Authorities advised people to be cautious, follow weather updates, and stay safe during travel.

The event highlights the importance of timely weather warnings and travel advisories. Passengers, commuters, and festival-goers are reminded to plan ahead, stay alert, and expect delays while enjoying the benefits of cooler temperatures and cleaner air brought by the sudden rainfall.