Rain and dust storm hit Delhi-NCR; yellow alert issued; Delhi airport sees 16 flight diversions Heavy rain and a dust storm struck parts of Delhi-NCR on Wednesday evening, following cloudy skies in the national capital and Noida throughout the day. The weather brought much-needed relief after an unusually warm start to March. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a western disturbance is expected to influence the region from Wednesday to Friday, bringing light rainfall, cloudy skies, and gusty winds. A yellow alert was issued for Thursday and Friday, warning of wind speeds reaching up to 40–50 kmph along with intermittent light rain. Delhi’s temperatures, which had been above normal for most of March, are projected to decline over the next few days. On Tuesday, the city recorded a high of 31.6 degrees Celsius, close to the seasonal average. Wednesday may see temperatures between 32°C and 34°C, while Thursday is expected to drop to 29°C–31°C. Friday could see a further decrease to 27°C–29°C. An IMD official noted that temperatures will remain between 30°C and 32°C even after the western disturbance’s impact subsides. Weather forecasts for the next two days indicate generally cloudy conditions on Thursday, with light rain or drizzle in multiple spells throughout the day. Thunderstorms and strong winds, reaching 30–40 kmph and gusting to 50 kmph, are likely in both the morning and late afternoon. At least 16 flights were diverted at Delhi’s airport on Wednesday evening due to adverse weather conditions, according to PTI reports. The disruptions highlight the impact of the storm on transportation. The weather department’s warnings and the fluctuating temperatures underscore the ongoing challenges posed by the changing climate patterns in the region.#delhi #india_meteorological_department #delhi_ncr #western_disturbance #delhi_airport
Delhi airport sees 22 flight diversions due to inclement weather Bad weather conditions caused significant disruption at Delhi airport on Wednesday evening. Dust storms and heavy rain led to the diversion of at least 22 flights. The India Meteorological Department had issued an orange alert for the city, warning of severe weather conditions. These diversions disrupted operations at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is the nation’s busiest airport. According to an official, at least 22 flights scheduled to land at the airport were redirected to other airports due to the adverse weather. The national capital experienced intense dust storms and heavy rainfall on Wednesday evening, forcing authorities to take precautionary measures. The India Meteorological Department’s orange alert highlighted the severity of the situation, prompting airlines and airport authorities to adjust their operations accordingly. The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), operated by the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), is the country’s largest airport and handles over 1,300 flight movements daily. The diversion of flights on Wednesday evening disrupted travel plans for passengers and affected the airport’s usual operational flow. Airlines reportedly coordinated with ground staff to manage the situation, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. The weather conditions were part of a broader pattern of inclement weather affecting the region. Officials noted that the combination of dust storms and heavy rain created visibility issues and made landing and takeoff operations challenging.#dust_storms #india_meteorological_department #indira_gandhi_international_airport #delhi_international_airport_limited #delhi_airport
