Rain and thunderstorms batter Delhi-NCR, killed four, 200 flights diverted

New Delhi: Heavy rain accompanied with thunderstorms lashed Delhi-NCR region on Friday morning, bringing much needed relief from the scorching heatwave spell.

However, the weather turned extreme in some areas of the national capital region, leading to the uprooting of trees and traffic disruptions.

Due to the heavy rainfall, an uprooted tree fell on a farm structure, causing its roof to collapse and killing a woman and her three children in Delhi’s Najafgarh area.

According to IMD, Delhi saw a sharp drop in temperatures early this morning due to the storm. In Jafarpur, the temperature fell from 28.4°C to 19°C, a steep fall of 9.4 degrees. At the Ridge, it dropped from 28.2°C at 5:15 am to 20.7°C by 5:30 am.

The weather agency forecast that heavy rains, storms and winds of upto 70-80 kmph will be witnessed across Delhi.

Observed Maximum/Minimum temperatures (°C) over Delhi recorded upto 0830 HRS IST of Today, 02nd May 2025 #IMD #Weatherupdate #mausam #MaximumTemperature #minimumtemperature #Delhi #delhiweather@moesgoi @ndmaindia @DDNational @airnewsalerts pic.twitter.com/e00kZOxUCU

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) May 2, 2025

More than 200 flights were cancelled or delayed on Friday morning, after the Capital witnessed heavy rain and thunderstorms overnight

The weather department has issued a severe alert for Delhi-NCR, warning of strong winds, hail, and possible damage across the region.

There’s a risk of trees being uprooted, branches breaking, and loose objects being blown away. Power and communication lines may also be affected due to falling trees. People have been urged to stay indoors, keep windows and doors shut, and avoid unnecessary travel.

The advisory also cautions against taking shelter under trees, lying on concrete floors, or touching metal objects during the storm. Residents are advised to unplug electrical appliances and immediately move away from water bodies for safety.

IMD data showed that in the last three hours, the Safdarjung weather station, the city’s primary observatory, recorded 77mm of rainfall. Lodhi road recorded 78 mm, Palam recorded 30 mm, Najafgarh 19.5 mm, and Pitampura 32 mm of rainfall.

The weather department has issued a yellow alert for the national capital till Saturday, forecasting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds.

The Maximum temperatures likely to fall by 04-05°C during next 24 hour and rise by 02-03°C thereafter over Delhi, said IMD.

A Western Disturbance seen as a cyclonic circulation over south Punjab and adjoining north Rajasthan and west Haryana between 5.8 & 7.6 km above mean sea level, was caused of the sudden erratic weather in North west India.

As per the agency the upper air cyclonic circulation over central parts of southeast Rajasthan & neighbourhood now seen over northeast Rajasthan and adjoining northwest Madhya Pradesh between 1.5 & 3.1 km above mean sea level.