Heavy rain, thunderstorms lash city, IMD cautions public against lightning risk

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds lashed several parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Tuesday. Though showers brought much-needed relief from the sweltering heat, but also caused problems of waterlogging and traffic congestion in many areas.

As many as 12 flights were diverted at the Delhi airport between 3 pm and 4 pm due to adverse weather conditions, an official said. The downpour led to knee-deep waterlogging in several areas like the underpass near Delhi Cantonment, Zakhira Underpass, Pul Prahladpurr, ITO, and Delhi Najafgarh Road and Delhi Rohtak Road, affecting vehicular movement.

Earlier in the day, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for Delhi and neighbouring regions, forecasting thunderstorms accompanied by hail, moderate to heavy rainfall and gusty winds with speeds reaching 50-70 kmph at isolated places.

In a detailed advisory, the IMD had cautioned residents against intense lightning, which could pose a serious threat to life, especially in open spaces. People were urged to remain indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and unplug electrical appliances to prevent damage from lightning-induced power surges.

The department also advised against taking shelter under trees or metal structures and discouraged mobile phone use in open areas during stormy conditions. Farmers and outdoor workers were specifically told to halt all activity and seek safe shelter immediately.

Despite the downpour, the minimum temperature in Delhi stood at 29°C — 1.5 degrees above the seasonal average — with relative humidity recorded at 71 per cent at 8.30 am. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 34°C during the day.

According to IMD data, the rainfall recorded at various weather stations included 10 mm at Safdarjung, 5 mm at Lodhi Road, 41 mm at Pusa, 15 mm at Narayana and 23 mm at Ayanagar.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert until Thursday, predicting thunderstorms with lightning, light to moderate rainfall and thundersqualls with wind speeds of 50-60 kmph, particularly during the night.

Meanwhile, the air quality in Delhi remained in the ‘satisfactory’ category on Tuesday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 96, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Residents have been advised to stay tuned to official weather updates through the IMD website and verified media sources.

Delhi