Delhi-NCR has experienced sudden weather changes recently, affecting cities including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Delhi itself. Strong winds are prevailing, and some areas are witnessing rainfall. Consequently, these adverse weather conditions have led to the diversion of 17 flights at Delhi Airport.
Meteorological Department’s Forecast
The Meteorological Department predicts thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rainfall over the next few hours. Dark clouds have enveloped the sky, causing a drop in temperature and providing relief from the previously intense sunlight and increasing heat.
Regional Weather Update
According to the Meteorological Department, light to moderate rain, with chances of heavy rainfall at different places, is expected in Delhi, Bahadurgarh, Noida, Greater Noida, Gurugram, and Faridabad. Additionally, strong winds ranging from 30-50 km/h are anticipated. The regions of Ajmer, Bikaner, Churu, Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Jaipur, and Jodhpur in Rajasthan might also experience dusty storms along with rain.
Temperature Readings and Trends
On Saturday, the maximum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 39.4 degrees Celsius, which is 3 degrees above normal, while the minimum was at 23 degrees Celsius. This follows a trend where the previous Wednesday saw a maximum of 39.1 degrees Celsius, and the subsequent Friday maintained this peak temperature. The minimum temperature has slightly risen, from the normal by 1 degree, recorded at 21.7 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.
Impact on Flights
Due to the bad weather, 17 flights were diverted between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM. The diversions affected several carriers, including seven flights from IndiGo, two from Vistara, six from Air India, and one from Air India Express. Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI Airport Delhi), which manages about 1,300 flight movements daily, had to adjust operations significantly due to these conditions.
Monsoon Forecast
Looking ahead, the Meteorological Department has released a forecast suggesting good rainfall during the upcoming monsoon season. However, it notes that some states may receive less rainfall than average.
This sudden shift in weather serves as a reminder of the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature of climate patterns, particularly in a region as meteorologically diverse as Delhi-NCR. Residents and visitors are advised to stay updated with the latest weather reports and plan their activities accordingly, keeping safety in mind during severe weather conditions.