Red alert issued in Delhi as capital reels under heavy rain; flights disrupted

New Delhi: Heavy rainfall triggered a red alert in Delhi on Tuesday, causing widespread traffic disruptions and waterlogging during the busy morning commute.

 Several key locations — including ITO, Dhaula Kuan, Naraina, Patel Nagar, Vijay Chowk, Jangpura, RK Puram, Lajpat Nagar, Talkatora Road, Rafi Marg, and Rohini — experienced intense downpours.

Reports of water accumulation came in from areas like Panchkuian Road, Moti Bagh, ITO, Mukherjee Nagar, and Pul Prahladpur, significantly hampering vehicle movement.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast moderate to heavy rain, accompanied by lightning and winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 km/h. While the eastern parts of the National Capital Region are under a red alert, a yellow alert continues for other areas.

The Regional Meteorological Centre has indicated that the current spell of rainfall in Delhi is likely to persist until August 3.

As per data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city received 8 mm of rain in the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 am on Tuesday. The minimum temperature was recorded at 26.8°C, slightly below the seasonal average by 0.5 degrees.

The IMD forecast predicts a generally cloudy sky with moderate rainfall, and the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 30°C. Relative humidity was measured at 70% at 8:30 am, ANI reported.

Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality was categorised as 'satisfactory' at 9 am, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at 87, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). As per CPCB guidelines, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 to 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 ‘poor’, 301 to 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 to 500 ‘severe’.

Multiple flight operations disrupted due to heavy rainfall in Delhi

Heavy rain and gusting winds interrupted Delhi on Tuesday morning, causing major airlines—IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India—to issue travel warnings alerting passengers of potential delays and interruptions to flights.

IndiGo, in a post on X, said, “With heavy rainfall expected over #Delhi, we're seeing a chance of delays and slower traffic to and from the airport. While we can't control the skies, we're doing everything possible to keep your journey steady on the ground. Please check your flight status and consider giving yourself a little cushion of time to reach the airport.”

SpiceJet also alerted flyers, stating, “#WeatherUpdate: Due to bad weather in Delhi (DEL) and Dharamshala (DHM), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may get affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status via http://spicejet.com/#status.”

Air India expressed similar worries, recommending passengers to check flight status and allow extra travel time to the airport owing to strong winds and rain in the capital.