DELHI: Heavy rains lashed parts of Delhi-NCR on Friday, with dark clouds engulfing the city and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for intense rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds later in the day.The sudden downpour disrupted Janmashtami celebrations across the capital, catching many devotees off guard. Rain-soaked roads, umbrellas lining the streets and people scrambling for shelter were seen as the showers intensified.Waterlogging was reported at Indira Gandhi International Airport after heavy rainfall lashed the national capital.Heavy rainfall affected several flights arriving in Delhi, causing delays to domestic flights from Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Port Blair.IndiGo also issued a travel advisory, stating, “bad weather over Delhi had impacted flight schedules. The airline advised passengers travelling today to check their flight status on its website or app before leaving for the airport and allow additional travel time due to slower road conditions.”According to the IMD’s three-hourly rainfall data, Palam recorded 3.4 mm of rainfall between 11.30 am and 2.30 pm, while Najafgarh received 0.5 mm between 8.30 am and 11.30 am. No rainfall was recorded at most other monitoring stations during the same period.In its short-range weather forecast issued at 2.15 pm, the IMD said light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning was likely at many places between 2.15 pm and 4.15 pm, with isolated areas expected to receive heavy rain.The weather department has also forecast another spell of light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning across most parts of the city between 5 pm and 8 pm, with heavy rain likely at isolated locations.The IMD further said that moderate rainfall is expected at most places over the next three hours, while a few areas could receive heavy rainfall ranging from 50 mm to 100 mm. The rain activity is likely to be accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds of 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph.(With Agency Inputs)
