Delhi weather sees sudden turn: Heavy rain lashes capital; airlines issue travel advisory

HEAVY rain brought a pleasant change to Delhi's weather on Tuesday after the capital had experienced some of its warmest days in recent times.

The downpour coincides with Dussehra and Durga Puja celebrations in the city, raising concerns that the rain could dampen festive pandals. A warning of light rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds was issued in the morning by the weather agency.

The weather office has predicted light rainfall across several parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

According to the forecast, rain is “very likely” in Delhi and adjoining areas, including Sonipat, Kharkhoda, Charkhi Dadri, Mattanhail, Jhajjar, Farukhnagar, Kosali, Mahendragarh, Sohana, Rewari, Palwal, Bawal, Nuh, Aurangabad, and Hodal in Haryana, as well as Khatauli and Sakoti Tanda in Uttar Pradesh.

Airlines issue travel advisories

Several airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet and Akasa Air, have issued travel advisories due to heavy rainfall in Delhi.

Informing passengers of potential delays, IndiGo said, "Please check your flight status on our app or website before leaving. Remember, we’re here if you need anything along the way."

Air India also cautioned that heavy rain is likely to impact flight operations to and from Delhi on Tuesday. The airline urged passengers to check their flight status "before heading to the airport and allow extra time for your journey due to possible slow moving traffic."

SpiceJet, in its travel advisory, stated, "Due to bad weather in Delhi (DEL), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may be affected."

The young Indian carrier Akasa Air warned, "Due to heavy rainfall in certain parts of Delhi, we anticipate slow-moving traffic and congestion on roads leading to the airport."

The airline requested passengers to plan for additional travel time to ensure a "seamless travel experience" and added, “We realize that this may inconvenience your travel plans and seek your understanding.”

Traffic alert

In anticipation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s possible visit to the Durga Puja pandal at CR Park’s Kali Mandir on Maha Ashtami on Tuesday, the Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory warning of congestion in several parts of the city.

“Due to heavy footfall in Durga Puja Pandals in CR Park traffic will be heavy on Outer Ring Road, from Panchsheel to Greater Kailash, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, JB Tito Marg, Inder Mohan Bhardwaj Marg and CR Park Main Road…” the advisory stated.

What does IMD predict?

Delhi is expected to see a cloudy start to October with light rain or drizzle on October 1, according to the weather department. The following days, from October 2 to October 6, will largely remain dry with a mix of cloudy and clear skies.

October 5 is likely to be mainly clear, while October 6 may see partly cloudy skies by the afternoon or evening. No weather warnings have been issued for the week.