Thunderstorms lash Delhi-NCR: IMD issues red alert as flights and travel disrupted

Rain and thunderstorms lashed several parts of Delhi-NCR after the India Meteorological Department issued urgent nowcast warnings. The weather system brought lightning, hailstorms, and strong winds across the region, affecting normal life and air travel. The IMD forecast indicated intense weather conditions over the next few hours, with significant impact already reported across Delhi and nearby states. Residents were advised to follow safety advisories as the situation continued to develop.

IMD red and orange alerts across regions

As per India Today reports, “Red warnings” have been issued for multiple districts of Delhi, including Central, East, New, North, North East, North West, Shahdara, South West and West Delhi. In Haryana, districts such as Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Hisar, Jhajjar, Jind, Karnal, Panipat, Rohtak and Sonipat are also under red alert, along with Mahoba in Uttar Pradesh.

These areas are expected to experience severe thunderstorms with lightning, hailstorms, gusty winds of 60–80 kmph, and rainfall ranging between 5–15 mm per hour. “Orange warnings” remain in place for parts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and southern Delhi districts.

Also Read । Delhi-NCR braces for severe storms: IMD warns of rain, hail and power disruptions

As per India Today reports, in a midnight update on May 4, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that thunderstorms and dust storms with light to moderate rain and lightning are very likely in many parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region. The weather is also expected to affect nearby areas of Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Rajasthan over the next two hours.

Flight operations and weather impact

The adverse weather conditions disrupted air travel across the region. SpiceJet said in a post on X that due to bad weather in Delhi, all departures and arrivals, along with connecting flights, may be affected. The airline asked passengers to check their flight status before going to the airport.

While IndiGo issued a travel advisory stating that poor weather conditions over Delhi have disrupted flight schedules. The airline said it is closely monitoring the situation and working to ensure safe operations, while asking passengers to stay updated through its website or mobile app. It also said that support teams are available to help travellers and expressed hope for a quick return to normal operations once weather conditions improve.

Both airlines advised passengers to check flight status before travel, as operations remained under continuous monitoring.

Also Read । NDA on course for second term in Puducherry, Rangasamy leads

The ongoing thunderstorms across Delhi-NCR and surrounding states have led to weather alerts and travel disruptions. IMD warnings indicate severe atmospheric conditions affecting multiple regions at the same time.

Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors where possible, avoid sheltering under trees or weak structures, limit unnecessary travel, and follow official safety advisories as the weather situation continues to change.