Heavy rains bring much-needed relief to Delhi-NCR, AQI improves; multiple flights disrupted

New Delhi: Heavy rainfall and gusty winds in Delhi have prompted major airlines, including IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India, to issue travel advisories, warning passengers of potential disruptions to flight operations on Tuesday morning.IndiGo, in a post on X, stated, "With heavy rainfall expected over #Delhi, we're seeing a chance of delays and slower traffic to and from the airport. While we can't control the skies, we're doing everything possible to keep your journey steady on the ground. Please check your flight status and consider giving yourself a little cushion of time to reach the airport. We'll keep you posted, and we're always around if you need help."SpiceJet also highlighted the impact of adverse weather conditions in Delhi and Dharamshala, noting on X, "#WeatherUpdate: Due to bad weather in Delhi (DEL) and Dharamshala (DHM), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may get affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status via http://spicejet.com/#status."Similarly, Air India issued a warning, stating, "Gusty wind and rain may impact flight operations to and from Delhi this morning. Please check your flight status before heading to the airport and allow extra time for your journey."IMD predicts heavy rainfall across India until August 4. Northwest India, including East Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, is expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall on July 29, with heavy showers in Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Haryana. West India, including Konkan and Gujarat, will see isolated heavy rain on July 29 and light to moderate showers for 6-7 days.Northeast India, including Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, is expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall. East and Central India, including Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, will experience isolated heavy rain and thunderstorms.South Peninsular India, including Kerala and Coastal Karnataka, is expected to experience heavy rain on July 29-30, accompanied by strong winds (40-50 kmph). Light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are likely across most regions for the next week.According to IMD, it is forecasted that there will be fairly widespread to widespread rainfall over Northwest, Northeast, and Eastern India during the next few days. Scattered to fairly widespread rainfall is also likely over Central and Peninsular India.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over East Rajasthan on Wednesday (i.e July 30). Heavy rainfall is also very likely at isolated locations in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Jharkhand, Kerala, Mahe, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, and West Rajasthan on Wednesday.

Heavy rainfall on Tuesday brought much-needed respite from the lingering heat in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), as the intermittent showers and overcast skies have not only brought down soaring temperatures but also led to a significant improvement in air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has improved across many parts of Delhi and NCR, offering residents cleaner and fresher air to breathe. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this pleasant weather is expected to linger for the next week. From July 29 to August 3, the skies will remain mostly cloudy, with the likelihood of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall at several locations. The IMD forecast indicates "moderate rain" on July 29 and 30, followed by "thunderstorms with rain" from July 31 to August 1. Light to moderate rain and thundershowers are likely to continue through August 2 and 3. During this period, maximum temperatures are expected to range between 30 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius, while minimums will likely hover between 24 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius. This weather has also brought about a considerable drop in pollution levels.

As per data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and various State Pollution Control Boards, AQI levels in several areas of Delhi have improved to the ‘satisfactory’ category. On Tuesday, many areas recorded a significant improvement in air quality - Alipur (84), Ashok Vihar (88), ITO (99), Narela (88), IGI Airport (82), and Chandni Chowk (69). However, AQI levels in parts of the city like Jahangirpuri (156), Mundka (135), and Dwarka Sector-8 (105) still fall within the 'moderate' category. Surrounding regions have also benefited from the seasonal showers. Noida's Sector-125 recorded an AQI of 97, Sector-62 was at 61, and Greater Noida's Knowledge Park-III registered an impressive 57. In Ghaziabad, AQI at Indirapuram was (63), Sanjay Nagar (93), and Vasundhara (83), showing marked improvement. This refreshing spell of rain and cool winds has not only brought relief from the heat and humidity but also offered a temporary break from the persistent issue of air pollution.