E-Paper
Delhi battered by thunderstorms, rain and gusty winds, 15 flights diverted
There were 15 flight diversions, while six aircraft were forced to perform ‘go-arounds’.
Delhi experienced thunderstorms and rain on Tuesday night following a short-term weather alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD had forecast adverse weather conditions for the capital between 8:10 pm and 11:10 pm, warning that most parts of the city would see light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms.
Due to bad weather at the Delhi airport, there were 15 flight diversions, while six aircraft were forced to perform ‘go-arounds’.
According to the alert, some areas are likely to face intense storm, with wind speeds reaching 60-80 kmph and gusting up to 90 kmph, along with lightning and the possibility of hail. In a few pockets, comparatively weaker thunderstorms with winds of 40-60 kmph were also expected.
As predicted, stormy weather conditions developed across several parts of Delhi, bringing strong winds, rain, and lightning that disrupted evening movement and briefly affected outdoor activities in many localities.
Wind velocity across Delhi
Strong winds affected Delhi during the storm, with the highest wind speed recorded at 98 kmph in Palam, while Safdarjung and Pusa recorded 72 kmph, and other stations reported lower gusts ranging between 30–46 kmph.
According to the IMD data, rainfall was very light and scattered across the city. Most stations such as Safdarjung, Lodhi Road, Ridge, Ayanagar, Pitampura, Mayur Vihar, Jafarpur and Janakpuri recorded minimal rainfall.
The IMD has asked residents to remain cautious during the warning window. The risks include falling trees, power interruptions, and transport disruptions due to high wind speeds and lightning activity.
The weather system eased after a few hours, but it provided a short spell of relief from the heat.
Mobile heat relief units
Last week, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta flagged off 13 mobile heat relief units across all districts of the city to help residents cope with rising summer temperatures.
The initiative aims to provide chilled drinking water, ORS packets, first-aid support, caps and towels in high-heat and high-footfall areas over the next three months, offering on-ground relief to vulnerable groups during peak summer conditions.
Officials said the mobile units will operate daily from 11 am to 6 pm and will cover vulnerable locations such as labour chowks, bus stands, markets, and slum clusters across Delhi.
Each unit has a 400–500 litre cold water tank and is supported by civil defence volunteers deployed across districts. The government also plans to distribute thousands of ORS packets, along with cotton towels and caps, every day as part of the programme.
