Delhi rains: Airport issues advisory as IMD predicts inclement weather, flights operate normally

Heavy rain continued to lash several parts of the national capital on Tuesday, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for Delhi for the next few hours. Amid worsening weather conditions, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport has issued a passenger advisory saying that flight operations are currently operating normally and asking passengers to stay in touch with their respective airlines for the latest updates.

Dark clouds shrouded the city throughout the morning as light to heavy showers persisted in several areas. The Met Office has forecast cloudy skies with moderate rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds for several hours.

In its advisory, Delhi Airport said: “According to the forecast of India Meteorological Department, adverse weather conditions are expected in the vicinity of Delhi Airport. However, flight operations at Delhi Airport are currently normal.”

The airport went on to say: “Our ground teams are working diligently with all parties involved to ensure your journey remains smooth.

Passengers were also advised to be informed about their flight schedules. The alert said: “For the latest flight information, passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines.”

The airport alert comes as rain continued in the city following an IMD warning of severe weather conditions.

According to the India Meteorological Department, Safdarjung, the base meteorological station in Delhi, recorded 32.4 mm of cumulative rainfall till 8:30 am on Tuesday. Ridge recorded 37.6 mm, followed by Lodi Road at 36.7 mm, Ayanagar at 4.0 mm and Palam at 0.8 mm.

Between 8.30am and 5.30pm on Monday, Ridge recorded 19.4mm of rain. Lodi Road received 11.5 mm, Safdarjung recorded 8.0 mm, Ayanagar recorded 3.8 mm while Palam received no rainfall during the period.

The minimum temperature in Safdarjung settled at 25.5 degrees Celsius, which was 1.8 degrees below normal.

Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality also remained relatively clean after the showers. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the air quality index (AQI) at 9 am stood at 77, putting it in the “satisfactory” category.

On the AQI scale, a value between 0 and 50 is categorized as “good”, 51 to 100 as “satisfactory”, 101 to 200 as “moderate”, 201 to 300 as “poor”, 301 to 400 as “very poor” and 4005 to very poor.

With the IMD forecasting continued rainfall and thundershowers in the next few hours, the Delhi airport has advised passengers to watch for updates from the respective airlines even as flight operations remain normal.