CitywelivePre-monsoon rains drenched Delhi on Tuesday, offering much-needed respite from the scorching heat but also triggering issues of water accumulation and traffic snarls in several parts of the city.
As many as 12 flights were rerouted from Delhi airport between 3 pm and 4 pm due to unfavourable weather conditions, an official stated.
The heavy showers caused ankle- to knee-deep flooding in multiple locations such as the underpass near Delhi Cantonment, Zakhira Underpass, Pul Prahladpur, ITO, as well as Delhi Najafgarh and Rohtak Roads, disrupting vehicular flow.
Earlier in the day, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for Delhi and surrounding regions, predicting thunderstorms accompanied by hail, moderate to intense rainfall, and strong winds reaching speeds of 50–70 kmph at isolated spots.
Based on IMD observations, rainfall amounts recorded at various stations included 10 mm at Safdarjung, 5 mm at Lodhi Road, 41 mm at Pusa, 15 mm at Narayana, and 23 mm at Ayanagar.
At Palam and Safdarjung, wind speeds of 35–40 kmph were recorded between 2:30 pm and 3 pm and again around 6:30 pm.
The highest temperature in the capital settled at 36.2°C, which was 3.8 degrees below the seasonal norm. The lowest temperature was logged at 28°C, 1.5 degrees above average. Relative humidity was measured at 61 per cent at 5:30 pm.
For Wednesday, the IMD has issued a yellow alert, forecasting thunderstorms with lightning, light to moderate showers, and thundersqualls with winds between 50–60 kmph, especially during nighttime.
The maximum and minimum temperatures are anticipated to remain around 34°C and 27°C, respectively.
The IMD also released a moderate thunderstorm advisory, warning of potential hazards and recommending caution. It highlighted that intense lightning may pose a life-threatening risk, particularly in open spaces. Transport disruptions, including possible delays to flights and trains, are also expected. The advisory included warnings for livestock safety and advised outdoor workers to take immediate shelter.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors and refrain from unnecessary commuting. The IMD recommended unplugging electronic devices during storms to avoid lightning-related damage. People were also cautioned against seeking shelter under trees or metallic structures and using mobile phones outdoors during electrical activity. Farmers and laborers working outside have been advised to suspend activities and move to safety.
The weather department has asked the public to stay informed via its official portal and trusted news sources.
Delhi will remain under a yellow alert through Thursday. Meanwhile, the city’s air quality was categorized as ‘moderate’ on Tuesday. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 104 at 4 pm.
According to CPCB guidelines, an AQI of 0–50 is considered ‘good’, 51–100 ‘satisfactory’, 101–200 ‘moderate’, 201–300 ‘poor’, 301–400 ‘very poor’, and 401–500 ‘severe’.
