Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) experienced a significant weather shift on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, as heavy rainfall brought respite from the prolonged heatwave. However, the downpour also triggered a series of disruptions, including waterlogging, traffic congestion, and flight diversions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier issued a red alert for Delhi and its surrounding areas, forecasting thunderstorms, hail, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 50-70 kmph. The prediction materialized as heavy rain lashed the city, leading to water accumulation in low-lying areas. Several key locations, such as the underpass near Delhi Cantonment, Zakhira Underpass, Pul Prahladpur, ITO, Delhi Najafgarh Road, and Delhi Rohtak Road, experienced knee-deep waterlogging, severely impeding vehicular movement.
The adverse weather conditions also impacted air travel. Delhi Airport issued an advisory, stating that flight operations were likely to be affected. Consequently, approximately 12 flights were diverted between 3 pm and 4 pm due to the inclement weather. Airlines, including IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India, issued travel advisories, urging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport to avoid potential delays and inconvenience. SpiceJet reported "massive" congestion at Delhi Air Traffic Control (ATC) due to the sudden downpour, further exacerbating the situation. Air India also acknowledged the impact on their flight operations, attributing some diversions to the weather.
Road traffic was also significantly disrupted. National Highway 48, particularly the stretch from Dhaula Kuan towards the airport and Gurugram, witnessed heavy congestion. The underpass near Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on the way to Dwarka was severely waterlogged, adding to the traffic woes. Waterlogging was also reported at the Mahipalpur bypass underpass. The combination of heavy rain and waterlogged roads led to slow-moving traffic and long delays for commuters across Delhi and neighboring cities like Gurugram and Noida.
Despite the disruptions, the rain brought much-needed relief from the scorching heat that Delhi-NCR had been experiencing. The maximum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 36.2 degrees Celsius, which is 3.8 degrees below the seasonal average. The minimum temperature stood at 28 degrees Celsius, slightly above normal.
Looking ahead, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for Wednesday and Thursday, forecasting thunderstorms with lightning, light to moderate rainfall, and gusty winds. The advisory cautioned that intense lightning could pose a threat to life, especially in open areas, and that disruptions to traffic and delays in flight and train services are likely. Farmers and outdoor workers have been advised to halt work and seek safe shelter immediately. The weather office has urged the public to stay updated through its official website and verified media sources.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded the city's air quality in the 'moderate' category on Tuesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 104 at 4 pm.
