Adverse Weather Forces 49 Flight Diversions at Delhi Airport

"Due to adverse weather conditions in Delhi, 49 flights were diverted between 11:30 pm and 4 am. Normal services restored," Delhi Airport sources said. The 49 flights included 17 international flights, airport sources added.

The Delhi Airport issued a passenger advisory at 06:50 am on Sunday. In a post on X, Delhi Airport stated, "Due to adverse weather conditions last night, some flights have been impacted. Passengers are advised to check their flight status regularly and stay in touch with airline staff for updates. Our on-ground teams are diligently working with all stakeholders to ensure a seamless and efficient passenger experience."

Meanwhile, the temperature dropped by 8 to 10 degrees Celsius — from 31°C to 22°C — as seen from Lodhi Road data. The temperature fell between 1:15 am to 02:30 am this morning due to the thunderstorm.

At Safdarjung Airport, the temperature dropped from 31.0°C to 21.0°C; at Palam Airport, from 29.0°C to 22.0°C; in Pusa, from 31.8°C to 20.5°C; at Pragati Maidan, from 31.4°C to 21.3°C; and at Lodhi Road, from 31.0°C to 22.3°C.

In the past 24 hours, rainfall recorded in Delhi as of 08:30 hrs IST today was as follows: Lodhi Road – 69.6 mm, Aya Nagar – 37.0 mm, Safdarjung – 81.4 mm, Palam – 68.5 mm, and Ridge – 69.1 mm.

Areas affected include Moti Bagh, Minto Road, and near Delhi Airport Terminal 1. Visuals from Delhi's Minto Road showed a car submerged due to severe waterlogging caused by the heavy rainfall.

Clearance work was carried out at Akbar Road after several trees fell due to storms and heavy rainfall last night in the NCR.

Severe waterlogging was witnessed in several parts of Delhi after the heavy rains. Traffic congestion and slow vehicular movement were reported at Dhaula Kuan. Severe waterlogging was also witnessed in the Nanakpura Underpass.

The heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms also lashed several parts of Haryana's Jhajjar.

Earlier on Saturday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Delhi and nearby areas, warning of strong thunderstorms, rain, and high-speed winds over the next two to three hours.

The alert was part of a Nowcast warning based on current weather conditions. According to the IMD, a thunderstorm cell was approaching Delhi and adjoining areas from the west/northwest.

Under its influence, severe thunderstorm or dust-raising wind activity accompanied by frequent lightning and gusty winds (speed reaching 40–60 km/h or more) was likely to affect parts of the city in the next one to two hours.

The weather department urged residents to take necessary precautions. The IMD cautioned people to avoid open spaces and not to take shelter under trees. They also advised citizens to avoid weak walls or unstable structures and stay away from water bodies.

Possible impacts from the thunderstorm include tree uprooting and branch breaking. Crops like bananas and papaya could suffer moderate damage, and dry tree limbs might fall due to strong winds. Dust storms may also occur in some parts of the city.

Authorities have urged people to remain alert and take all necessary precautions to stay safe.