Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) experienced significant disruption due to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. Early Sunday morning, May 25, 2025, the downpour led to severe waterlogging in various parts of the city, causing traffic snarls and impacting flight operations at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert, forecasting thunderstorms, rain, and high-speed winds for Delhi and its surrounding areas. This warning anticipated the severe weather that ultimately struck, bringing much-needed respite from the summer heat but also causing considerable chaos.
Flight operations at Delhi's IGI Airport were significantly affected. Numerous flights were delayed, and several were diverted due to the adverse weather conditions. IndiGo reported temporary disruptions in flight operations, with airside congestion exacerbating the situation. While flight movements gradually resumed as the weather improved, the initial hours saw widespread delays and diversions, impacting both domestic and international travelers. On May 21, 2025, similar weather events led to the diversion of at least 13 flights, with 12 being rerouted to Jaipur and one international flight to Mumbai. Over 50 flights were delayed. Airlines, including Air India and SpiceJet, issued advisories urging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
Several areas in Delhi-NCR faced severe waterlogging. Minto Road, a known trouble spot, was once again submerged, with visuals showing cars partially underwater. Other areas severely affected included Moti Bagh and near Terminal 1 of the Delhi airport. The heavy rainfall inundated roads, causing traffic congestion and disrupting normal life. Authorities were seen deploying pumps to remove standing water from critical areas, but the sheer volume of rainfall made it a challenging task.
The heavy rains were attributed to pre-monsoon activity in the region. The IMD had predicted light to moderate rains and thunderstorms for Delhi on Saturday, May 24, with the likelihood of partly cloudy skies and lightning. The forecast also indicated the possibility of more intense thunderstorms and high wind speeds in the coming days. On May 24, intense rains and winds accompanied by lightning caused a temperature drop from 31.8°C to 23.1°C in just 30 minutes in East Delhi, with rainfall accumulation reaching 29mm.
The impact of the severe weather extended beyond flight disruptions and waterlogging. On May 21, two fatalities and multiple injuries were reported in rain-related incidents. A man with a disability was killed when an electricity pole collapsed on him, and a 22-year-old died after a tree fell on him. These incidents underscore the dangers posed by such extreme weather events, prompting authorities to issue safety advisories.
In light of the red alert issued by the IMD, residents were advised to stay indoors and avoid travel. The weather department cautioned people to avoid open spaces and refrain from seeking shelter under trees. Citizens were also urged to stay away from water bodies and unstable structures to minimize the risk of accidents.
