What Caused the Heavy Rain and Strong Winds in Delhi-NCR?

New Delhi, May 21 (NationPress) Intense rainfall, hail, and fierce winds struck various regions of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Wednesday evening, offering a much-needed break from the oppressive summer heat while simultaneously causing significant disruptions across the area. This unexpected weather change resulted in Metro train operations being halted, flight delays, tree and banner uprooting, and traffic congestion.

Visuals captured from Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport depicted relentless downpour, with strong winds impacting central and western Delhi. Locations like Gol Market and Lodi Road experienced a brief but vigorous hailstorm, intensifying the dramatic weather transition. In Noida, motorists reported navigating through heavy rain and hail, leading to reduced visibility and flooded streets.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicated that the storm was fueled by a cyclonic circulation emerging over adjacent Haryana. This system was augmented by moisture-rich winds from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. At around 8:30 p.m., the IMD issued a red alert for Delhi-NCR, cautioning residents of continued severe weather conditions throughout the night.

Wind speeds peaked at 79 kmph in Safdarjung and 72 kmph in Palam, resulting in extensive damage across multiple areas. Trees were uprooted, hoardings toppled, and traffic was heavily impacted, especially in central and southern Delhi as well as in the NCR. Waterlogging in low-lying regions led to sluggish traffic and minor accidents, further complicating the evening commute.

Areas such as Vikas Marg, Akshardham Road, and Firoz Shah Road witnessed significant tree uprooting.

The satellite city of Noida experienced similar issues, with strong winds causing the uprooting of trees and banners. Several regions in Noida faced power outages, while traffic crawled in many areas due to water accumulation.

Waterlogging was reported at various key locations in the national capital.

Despite the turmoil, local residents appeared to be in high spirits as the pre-monsoon showers provided relief from the sweltering heat. The storm, while chaotic, offered a welcome reprieve from the extreme temperatures that had gripped the region recently.

Earlier in the day, the 'feels like' temperature in Delhi exceeded 50 degrees Celsius, with actual temperatures around 45 degrees Celsius. The sudden drop in temperature brought a momentary sense of comfort to residents.

Flight operations at the Delhi airport were also affected, with the airport authority advising passengers to check with airlines for real-time updates. Several airlines indicated potential delays and rescheduling due to poor visibility and storm-related disruptions.

The IMD had previously forecast dust storms and thunderstorms, along with light to moderate rainfall and winds reaching up to 70 kmph. As the region braces for more unpredictable pre-monsoon conditions, authorities have advised residents to stay indoors during severe weather and report any fallen trees or power issues to local helplines.

Reports indicate that several airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, announced delays and possible disruptions for flights to and from Delhi due to adverse weather conditions.

Notably, on Wednesday, an IndiGo flight made a challenging yet safe landing at Srinagar airport after experiencing severe turbulence. The aircraft landed on the runway despite sustaining damage to its nose.

Meanwhile, IndiGo tweeted: “Our flight schedules are currently affected due to heavy rain and thunderstorms across Delhi, Chandigarh, and Kolkata.

“We suggest checking our flight status on our website or app before heading out. Please allow extra time for travel as waterlogging and slow-moving traffic may delay your journey to the airport. Should you need assistance, our teams are readily available.”

Sources indicate that at least 10 flights were redirected to nearby airports, and over 50 flights were delayed between 7:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.

Flight operations were disrupted by wind shear—strong winds in opposing directions—and rain, which affected both take-offs and landings.

Earlier, severe turbulence impacted an IndiGo flight heading to Srinagar from Delhi, causing panic among passengers, but fortunately, the flight landed safely in Srinagar, albeit with a damaged nose.

Official sources confirmed that a Srinagar-bound IndiGo flight from Delhi, carrying over 220 passengers, encountered turbulence mid-flight due to adverse weather, leading the pilot to declare an “emergency” to air traffic control at Srinagar.

The flight eventually landed safely in Srinagar at 6:30 p.m. “IndiGo flight 6E2142 from Delhi to Srinagar experienced severe weather (hailstorm), and the pilot informed ATC SXR (Srinagar) of the emergency,” stated an official from the Airport Authority of India.

He added that all crew members and 227 passengers are safe, and the flight has been designated as AOG (Aircraft on Ground) by the airline.

A viral video on social media captured the harrowing mid-air incident, showcasing passengers crying, screaming, and praying as the aircraft shook violently.

Despite the chaos, the flight was reported to have landed safely with no injuries. The turbulence was attributed to a hailstorm.

Srinagar International Airport is among those that have been placed under NOTAM, with all commercial flights suspended due to ongoing hostilities between India and Pakistan.