In an unforeseen meteorological upheaval, Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) were engulfed by a formidable dust storm followed by heavy rainfall, leading to significant disruptions across the metropolis. The tempestuous weather event caused a substantial drop in temperatures, bringing respite from the prevailing heat but leaving a trail of chaos in its wake.
The Indira Gandhi International Airport bore the brunt of the storm's fury. Flight operations were severely impacted, with average delays of 46 minutes for arrivals and 54 minutes for departures, according to FlightRadar data. Several flights were diverted to alternate airports, including Jaipur, Amritsar, and Lucknow, as visibility plummeted and safety concerns escalated.
The heavy downpour led to waterlogging in various parts of the city, notably at the Minto Bridge underpass, where a truck was reported stuck. Traffic movement was hampered due to reduced visibility and fallen trees, causing significant delays during peak hours.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecasted a change in weather patterns, predicting rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds for Delhi-NCR over the coming days. This sudden shift underscores the increasing unpredictability of weather events in the region.
Citizens were caught off guard by the abrupt weather change. Many sought shelter as the skies darkened and winds intensified. The storm disrupted daily routines, with commuters facing challenges due to delayed public transport and traffic congestion.
Authorities urge residents to stay updated with weather forecasts and exercise caution during such unpredictable conditions. The IMD continues to monitor the situation closely, providing timely updates to ensure public safety.