Heavy showers swept across parts of Delhi-NCR on Monday morning, affecting traffic movement in several areas and prompting weather alerts across the capital.
Intense rainfall was reported from parts of South Delhi and neighbouring regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of more heavy rain during the day, with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds also likely in several districts.
Several Delhi districts under rain alert
According to the IMD advisory, isolated parts of South East Delhi, East Delhi, Shahdara, Central Delhi, North East Delhi, South Delhi, New Delhi, South West Delhi, West Delhi, North West Delhi and North Delhi could receive heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and winds of 30-40 kmph.
Moderate rain with similar weather conditions was also expected at many places across parts of Central Delhi, South Delhi, South West Delhi, West Delhi, North West Delhi and North Delhi.
The weather warning comes as Delhi-NCR continues to see spells of unsettled monsoon weather.
Rain likely across NCR areas
According to weather forecaster India Met Sky, scattered spells of heavy rain, along with lightning and gusty winds of up to 25 kmph, were likely over parts of Ghaziabad, East Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Delhi and South Delhi over the next two hours.
The showers slowed movement on roads during the morning, with commuters facing difficult conditions in several parts of the region.
More rain likely in coming days
The weather conditions are expected to remain unsettled even after the immediate spell of rain passes. The agency said the region could see similar scattered rainfall events over the next two days.
At the same time, temperatures are expected to remain relatively high, with hot and humid conditions likely after the showers subside. Heavy rainfall is also expected in parts of Uttarakhand, Odisha and Telangana, indicating continued monsoon activity across several parts of the country.
For Delhi-NCR residents, the forecast points to a continued mix of rain, thunderstorms and humid weather, with conditions changing quickly through the day.
15 flights diverted to Jaipur
The weather also disrupted flight operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, with several flights diverted as rain and poor weather conditions affected operations.
As many as 15 flights from Delhi airport have so far been diverted to Jaipur International Airport due to the adverse weather conditions.
The diverted flights include 6E 404, IX 1462, IX 1047, AI 4308, AI 2526, IX 1236, IX 136, SG 126, AI 1814, 6E 6125, 6E 2102 and AI 2381.
The disruptions came as heavy showers and strong winds swept parts of Delhi-NCR, affecting normal movement across the region.
Traffic slows across Delhi
The rain also affected road traffic in the capital, with heavy congestion reported on MB Road near Sangam Vihar.
Traffic remained particularly slow between Vayusenabad and Sangam Vihar, with commuters reporting delays of nearly an hour. The congestion affected people travelling towards Delhi airport, offices and Saket Court.
The latest spell of rain has once again disrupted movement across Delhi-NCR, with both air and road traffic facing delays as the monsoon remains active over the region.