New Delhi: Heavy rain swept across Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) on Tuesday morning, bringing welcome relief from the lingering heat but also causing widespread waterlogging and travel disruptions.
The downpour, which began early in the day, impacted areas including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram. Strong winds accompanied the rain, turning the morning skies over the capital grey and drizzly. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the city is likely to see generally overcast skies with occasional light rain or drizzle continuing through the day.
IMD placed Delhi and Gurugram under an orange alert until 2:55 pm, advising residents to stay cautious. Meanwhile, Noida and Ghaziabad remain under a yellow alert, indicating less severe weather conditions but still calling for vigilance.
In several areas, the downpour led to waterlogging, including at the Zakhira underpass in Delhi, where submerged roads caused major difficulties for commuters. Traffic movement in multiple parts of the city slowed to a crawl as vehicles navigated flooded stretches.
Airlines Warn of Possible Delays
In light of the persistent showers and poor road conditions, airlines have urged travelers to plan ahead.
IndiGo issued an advisory via social media, cautioning that weather-related delays could affect flight operations at the Delhi airport. “Persistent rainfall and thunderstorms are currently affecting #Delhi, leading to possible delays,” the airline posted. “Passengers are advised to check their flight status and allow extra time to reach the airport.”
Air India echoed similar concerns, advising travelers to verify their flight schedules online before departure and allow for longer travel times due to potentially slow-moving traffic.
Despite the concerns, Delhi Airport authorities confirmed that, as of late Tuesday morning, operations remained normal. A statement issued around noon said, “Our on-ground teams are working diligently with all stakeholders to ensure your journey remains hassle-free.”
The rains, though inconvenient for commuters, brought a welcome break from the high humidity and soaring temperatures that had gripped the city in recent weeks. However, with roadways flooded and delays anticipated across services, authorities and travel operators continue to urge caution.
