Storms Disrupt Delhi-NCR, Over 400 Flights Delayed Amid Weather Chaos

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The weather across Delhi-NCR, UP, Haryana, and several nearby states took a drastic turn over the last two days, bringing strong winds, thunderstorms, and unseasonal rainfall. While residents got a much-needed respite from the scorching heat, the sudden change in weather disrupted daily life and damaged crops in several areas. According to the Meteorological Department, this unstable weather pattern will continue for the next 48 hours with warnings of hailstorms in Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.

Flight operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport were severely affected due to the inclement weather and ongoing runway repairs. Over 400 flights faced delays for the second consecutive day, causing long queues, overcrowded terminals, and passenger frustration. On Saturday, 234 departures and 175 arrivals were delayed, with many flights reporting an average delay of over 40 minutes. Airlines like Indigo confirmed that air traffic was temporarily halted multiple times due to weather-related clearance issues.

While the rainfall brought a dip in temperature and improved air quality—Delhi recorded an AQI of 166 on Saturday, considered moderate—IMD has warned of a returning heatwave next week. States like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, and parts of Madhya Pradesh may experience intense heat from April 14 onwards. The department has urged people to remain cautious as temperatures are expected to rise again, accompanied by heatwave conditions in many regions.