Delhi-NCR Weather Update: Yellow Alert in Effect After Intense Storms
Following a day of severe thunderstorms, dust storms, and heavy rainfall that battered Delhi-NCR on Wednesday evening, the region experienced a milder spell of rain on Thursday morning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has maintained a yellow alert for the area, signaling continued weather vigilance.
Stormy Wednesday Disrupts City Life
On Wednesday evening, strong winds, lightning, and intense rain swept across the capital, causing widespread disruption. Wind speeds reached significant levels, with Pragati Maidan recording 68 kmph, Pusa at 65 kmph, and Palam at 52 kmph. Several areas reported moderate rainfall, including 11.5 mm at the CRPF camp and over 10 mm in Janakpuri.
The storm led to severe traffic chaos on key routes such as Vikas Marg, ITO, NH-24, and the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, exacerbated by a fallen tree and peak-hour congestion. Commuters faced long delays, with many journeys taking nearly twice the usual time.
Flight Operations Impacted
Adverse weather conditions severely affected flight operations at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. Officials reported that at least 16 to 22 flights were diverted to other airports, while over 300 flights experienced delays due to the inclement weather.
Temperatures Drop Sharply
The rainfall caused a rapid decline in temperatures within a short period. Between 6:45 pm and 7:15 pm on Wednesday, mercury levels fell by up to 10°C at Safdarjung and Palam. The maximum temperature, which had peaked at 36.8°C on March 11, is now projected to drop further to around 27°C by Friday.
For Thursday, the maximum temperature is expected to range between 28°C and 30°C, dipping to 26–28°C on Friday, which is below normal for this time of year.
Weather Forecast and Western Disturbance
IMD forecasts continued light rain or drizzle through Thursday and Friday, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph, with gusts up to 50 kmph. The current western disturbance is impacting northwest India and is expected to persist for the next two to three days, with additional active systems likely around March 23 and March 27.
IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated, "There’s an ongoing western disturbance affecting northwest India until around March 21. Two more active systems are anticipated around March 23 and March 27. Temperatures are expected to remain normal to below normal."
Relief from Early March Heat
The sudden weather change has provided relief from the early March heatwave-like conditions. IMD confirms that these conditions have subsided, marking a significant shift from the dry winter and unusually warm February. This raises hopes for delaying the onset of an intense summer in north India.
Wider Impact Across North India
The weather system has also affected other parts of north India:
- Higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir received snowfall, with temperatures dropping sharply. Srinagar’s maximum temperature fell from 19.4°C on March 14 to around 11°C, while areas like Gulmarg and Sonamarg saw fresh snowfall.
- In Himachal, higher elevations recorded snow, while mid and lower hills experienced light to moderate rain, with alerts issued for heavier precipitation.
Air Quality Deterioration
Despite the showers, Delhi’s air quality worsened, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) slipping to 232 ('poor') on Wednesday from 189 ('moderate') the previous day. Authorities indicated that no immediate restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) would be reimposed, as trends remain under observation.
Conclusion
The recent weather events in Delhi-NCR highlight a dynamic shift in conditions, bringing temporary relief from heat but also causing disruptions. With IMD’s yellow alert active and more rain forecast, residents are advised to stay updated on weather advisories and plan accordingly for potential impacts on travel and daily activities.
