Top News

Delhi witnessed a spell of intense rain on Friday, disrupting traffic and flight operations, while the capital’s air quality improved significantly amid stronger winds.

The weather in Delhi-NCR took a dramatic turn on Friday as heavy rainfall lashed several parts of the capital. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert warning of intense rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.

The sudden downpour led to waterlogging in parts of the city, including areas around Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), while flight operations were affected.

Heavy Rain Disrupts Delhi

Rainfall intensified across Delhi during the afternoon and evening. By 5:30 pm, Palam had recorded 75.6 mm of rain, while Naraina received 54 mm, Janakpuri 48.5 mm, Lodi Road 34.6 mm and Safdarjung 32.6 mm, according to reported IMD data. Strong winds of around 40–50 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 60 kmph, were also forecast.

The IMD’s Delhi warning indicates that heavy rain remains a concern through Saturday, September 5.

Waterlogging at IGI Airport, Flights Diverted

The heavy rainfall created waterlogging at IGI Airport, temporarily affecting movement around the airport and flight operations.

At least nine flights were diverted during the evening disruption—four to Jaipur, four to Lucknow and one to Ahmedabad. Airport authorities said the waterlogging situation was temporary and had been brought under control.

Airlines including IndiGo and Air India advised passengers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport and allow additional travel time because of difficult road conditions.

Delhi’s AQI Shows Noticeable Improvement

While the rain created significant short-term disruption, there was some positive news on the pollution front.

According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data reported on Friday, Delhi’s daily average AQI improved from 113 on September 1 to 85 on September 2, 74 on September 3 and 71 on September 4.

The improvement was attributed largely to stronger winds helping disperse pollutants. The AQI of 71 falls in the ‘satisfactory’ category under India’s air-quality classification.

However, experts caution that cleaner air may not necessarily last if weather conditions change and winds weaken.

More Rain Expected on Saturday

The wet spell is not over yet. The IMD has forecast another day of rain and thunderstorms for Delhi on Saturday, with one or two spells of light to moderate rain and thunderstorms possible from the morning through the afternoon and evening.

The broader regional weather system, including a well-marked low-pressure area over central-northern Madhya Pradesh and adjoining Uttar Pradesh and the monsoon trough, is contributing to the unsettled conditions over northern India.

Weather May Improve From Sunday

Conditions are expected to gradually improve from Sunday, although isolated light rain could still occur. The forecast indicates relatively drier conditions from September 7, with temperatures likely to rise again.

For residents, the immediate priority remains caution during intense showers—particularly while driving through waterlogged roads, travelling to the airport or moving near areas vulnerable to lightning and strong winds.

Delhi Weather at a Glance

• IMD alert: Red alert on September 4; heavy rain warning continues for September 5
• IGI Airport: Waterlogging reported; flight operations disrupted
• Flights diverted: At least 9
• Strong winds: 40–50 kmph, gusts up to 60 kmph reported in the forecast
• AQI: Improved to 71 on September 4
• Saturday: More rain and thunderstorms expected
• From Sunday: Weather expected to gradually improve