Delhi Rains Trigger red Alert, Flight Diversions, and Travel Chaos
Delhi Rains: The nation’s capital is reeling from intense rainfall that struck Tuesday evening, leading to widespread water logging and meaningful disruptions. Several areas are experiencing traffic snarls and commuters are facing difficulties navigating the flooded streets. The heavy downpour has forced the diversion of at least 12 flights, causing delays and inconvenience for travelers.
Flight Operations Gravely Affected by Delhi Rains
Major airlines, including indigo, SpiceJet, and air India, have issued advisories urging passengers to closely monitor their flight statuses. The airlines are working to minimize disruptions, but the inclement weather continues to pose challenges. Video footage from various news agencies depicts cars navigating through heavily flooded streets, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Red Alert Issued: IMD Forecasts Hail and Thunderstorm
Prior to the heavy rainfall, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The weather observatory predicted the likelihood of hail and thunderstorms hitting Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and rajasthan on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
The IMD’s weather alert also indicated that light to moderate rainfall is expected in many places, with heavy rainfall (7-11 cm) very likely at isolated locations across Bihar, East Rajasthan, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad, Madhya Pradesh, North Interior Karnataka, Punjab, Sub Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim and Uttarakhand.
Southwest Monsoon Continues its March
The meteorological department noted that conditions have become increasingly favorable for the Southwest Monsoon’s advancement. It now encompasses a larger portion of the North Arabian Sea, Gujarat, Vidarbha, Madhya Pradesh, most of chhattisgarh, the remainder of Odisha, parts of Jharkhand, Bihar, and the entirety of Gangetic West Bengal.
The low-pressure area over Southwest Bangladesh and adjacent Gangetic West Bengal remains stationary as of 8:30 a.m. IST on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The Met Department forecasts that this low-pressure area will gradually move west-northwestward, intensifying over Gangetic west Bengal and its vicinity within the next 24 hours.
Safety First: Residents Advised to Stay indoors during Delhi Rains
Following the red alert and hailstorm warning in Delhi, the IMD also issued a moderate thunderstorm warning, emphasizing potential impacts and essential safety measures for the public. For context, monday saw light rainfall in parts of Delhi, signaling the monsoon’s gradual approach towards northwest India.
Residents are strongly advised to remain indoors and avoid needless travel. The weather observatory also recommends unplugging electrical appliances to protect against lightning-induced power surges.
Key Impacts of Heavy Rainfall
Here’s a summary of the key impacts of the heavy rainfall in Delhi:
| Impact | Details |
|---|---|
| Flight Diversions | At least 12 flights diverted due to heavy rainfall and water logging. |
| Red Alert | IMD issued a red alert for Delhi and NCR forecasting hail and thunderstorms. |
| Travel Disruptions | residents advised to stay indoors; unnecessary travel should be avoided. |
| Power Surges | Unplug electrical appliances to prevent damage from lightning. |
Staying Safe during Monsoon Season: A Pro Tip
Pro Tip: Keep a fully charged power bank and a physical map handy during the monsoon. Power outages and mobile network disruptions are common during severe weather events.
did You Know? Urban flooding risk is increasing globally. According to a 2024 report by the United Nations, cities need to invest more in resilient infrastructure to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.
Frequently Asked Questions About Delhi Rains
- What should I do if I encounter water logging while driving?
Avoid driving through flooded areas if possible.If you must, drive slowly and steadily to prevent stalling. Keep an eye on water depth to avoid damage to your vehicle. - How can I stay updated on weather alerts?
Follow official sources such as the IMD website and news channels for real-time updates on weather conditions and alerts. - What are the potential health risks associated with heavy rains?
Waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid, as well as mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, are more prevalent during the monsoon season. Take necessary precautions to prevent infection. - How can I prepare my home for the monsoon season?
Ensure that your roof and drainage systems are in good condition. Clear any debris that may block water flow. Keep emergency supplies, such as food, water, and a first-aid kit, readily available. - What is the role of the IMD during the monsoon season?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) monitors weather patterns,issues forecasts and warnings,and provides crucial information to the public and government agencies to mitigate the impact of severe weather events. - Are there any long-term solutions to prevent urban flooding in Delhi?
Implementing better urban planningsystems, improving drainage infrastructure, and promoting green spaces can help reduce the risk of urban flooding in the long term.
What measures do you take to stay safe during heavy rainfall? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!
