Delhi faces travel disruption as downpour triggers flight delays, more rain expected

Heavy rain hit Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and other parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) early Tuesday morning, causing waterlogging in several areas such as Minto Bridge, Vijay Chowk, Moti Bagh flyover, Rafi Marg, and Nizamuddin flyover. The showers disrupted normal life and also affected air travel.

According to travel portal Ixigo, more than 50 flights were delayed and five flights were cancelled at Delhi airport by 7:22 am on August 12. The persistent rain also led to traffic slowdowns on several key roads.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Delhi and NCR, warning of more light rain, cloudy skies, drizzle, and gusty winds during the day. Tuesday’s minimum temperature in the city is expected to be around 25°C, while the maximum may reach 34°C.

Alerts issued across northern India

IMD has also warned that northern India will see more rain, thunderstorms, and cloudy weather today. A yellow alert has been issued across all districts in Uttarakhand and parts of Himachal Pradesh, while orange alerts have been issued for some areas of Himachal, Chandigarh, Punjab, and Jammu.

Orange alerts mean heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in Keylong, Spiti Valley, Kaza, Kalpa, Sangla, Baddi, Kasauli, Solan, Rajgarh, Nahan, Renukaji, and Paonta Sahib. Other parts of Himachal are under a yellow alert for light rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, with rainfall rates of up to 15 mm per hour.

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In Uttarakhand, light to moderate rain with lightning is expected, along with cloudy skies and gusty winds throughout the day.

This monsoon season has already been devastating for Himachal Pradesh, where 229 people have died—119 in rain-related incidents and 110 in road accidents, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). Kangra district recorded the highest number of rain-related deaths at 26, followed by Mandi, Chamba, Kullu, Kinnaur, Lahaul & Spiti, Shimla, Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur, Sirmaur, and Solan.

Uttarakhand has also suffered, with a deadly flash flood in Uttarkashi on August 5 claiming several lives, leaving many stranded, and causing major damage to homes, roads, and other infrastructure.

Rain warnings for the Konkan coast and islands

Rain warnings are not limited to the north. IMD has also issued a yellow alert for a large part of India’s west coast, stretching from Vijaydurg in Maharashtra to Kovalam in Kerala, and including the islands of Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar.

Southern Maharashtra, Goa, coastal Karnataka, and Kerala are likely to see light to moderate spells of rain, cloudy skies, and gusty winds throughout the day. The islands of Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar will experience similar weather conditions.

Authorities have advised residents in all affected areas to be cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow safety guidelines. In cities like Delhi, travellers have been asked to check flight schedules before heading to the airport, while drivers are warned to expect slow traffic and waterlogged roads.

With heavy rains continuing in many regions, the focus for both state governments and disaster management teams remains on minimising damage, preventing accidents, and ensuring quick response to emergencies.