Severe weather disrupted daily life in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Friday morning as thunderstorms and heavy rain lashed the city. The sudden downpour was accompanied by a dust storm and strong winds, which brought some relief from the ongoing heatwave but also led to travel disruptions.

How were flights affected?

Several flights were diverted, and delays were reported at the Delhi airport due to the inclement weather. Airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, issued advisories warning passengers of possible delays and urging them to check flight status before heading to the airport.

IndiGo advised travellers to plan their commute with caution, noting that thunderstorms in Delhi might affect flight operations as well as road traffic. Air India also highlighted that gusty winds and stormy conditions had delayed several of its flights, impacting the overall schedule across Northern India.

What did airport authorities say?

The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) also issued a weather update on social media, stating that thunderstorms and heavy rain had impacted some flights. The airport operator said that its ground teams were coordinating with all stakeholders to minimise disruption and ensure smooth operations. Passengers were urged to remain in contact with their respective airlines for real-time updates.

What is the weather forecast?

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 26.8°C on Friday, which is 2.1°C above the seasonal average. The weather office has forecast continued thunderstorms and rain during the day, with the maximum temperature likely to reach around 37°C.

What impact did the storm have on infrastructure?

Strong winds caused a metal structure to collapse at Terminal 3 of the Delhi airport, although there were no reports of injuries. The incident underlines the intensity of the storm, which arrived after days of intense heat in the capital.