Delhi-NCR Hit by Thunderstorms, Torrential Rain; Flight Disruptions, Waterlogging Reported Across the City

New Delhi, May 2, 2025 The Delhi-NCR region witnessed a dramatic change in weather on Friday morning as thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and stormy winds swept across several parts of the national capital and surrounding areas. The intense downpour led to severe waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and flight delays and diversions at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Morning Deluge Paralyzes Key Areas

Starting early Friday, heavy rain accompanied by winds reaching 40 km/h battered areas such as ITO, Lajpat Nagar, Dwarka Underpass, Minto Bridge, South Extension Ring Road, Moti Bagh, and Khanpur. Many low-lying zones were submerged, severely disrupting movement for commuters.

There were multiple reports of uprooted trees and broken branches, especially in residential neighborhoods, due to the high wind speeds. The rain also led to widespread traffic congestion during peak hours.

Flight Operations Affected Amid Severe Weather

According to sources at the Delhi airport, three flights were diverted—one to Ahmedabad and two to Jaipur—while several others were delayed due to poor weather conditions and visibility. The airport authority issued a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter):

“Due to adverse weather and thunderstorms in Delhi, some flights have been impacted. Our on-ground teams are working closely with all agencies to ensure passenger safety and minimize delays. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for real-time flight updates.”

IMD Issues Yellow Alert, Warns of More Showers

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier predicted light rainfall with thunderstorms for Friday and issued a yellow alert for Delhi-NCR. Winds ranging from 30 to 40 km/h were expected. The department also warned that a new Western Disturbance entering from May 2 could trigger more rain, dust storms, and thunder activity across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

While IMD had earlier forecasted a three-day alert, the latest update restricts the warning to Friday alone. On Thursday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 38.6°C, and a minimum of 26.8°C, 2.1 degrees above normal.

Air Quality Improves, GRAP Restrictions Lifted

In a positive development, Delhi’s air quality showed improvement, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to lift restrictions under Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 184, falling into the “Moderate” category.

As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):

• AQI between 0–50 is ‘Good’

• 51–100 is ‘Satisfactory’

• 101–200 is ‘Moderate’

• 201–300 is ‘Poor’

• 301–400 is ‘Very Poor’

• 401–500 is ‘Severe’

Residents are advised to remain cautious due to continued rain forecasts and to avoid unnecessary travel in storm-affected areas.