Rain lashed several parts of Delhi-NCR as the India Meteorological Department issued urgent nowcast warnings forecasting intense thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms and strong winds over the next two to three hours, with significant impact already being seen across the region.
“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 likely to witness severe thunderstorms with lightning, hailstorms, gusty winds of 60–80 kmph, and moderate 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, where thunderstorms with wind speeds of 40–60 kmph and moderate rainfall are expected.
In a midnight update on May 4, the IMD said thunderstorm and duststorm activity with light to moderate rainfall and lightning is very likely across many parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region, extending into districts of Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh and parts of Rajasthan over the next two hours.
FLIGHTS OPERATIONS HIT
The adverse weather has also begun affecting air travel. SpiceJet said in a post on X that due to bad weather in Delhi, all departures and arrivals, along with consequential flights, may be impacted, urging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. SpiceJet on X
Similarly, 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 requesting passengers to stay updated through its website or mobile app. It also assured travellers that support teams are available to assist and expressed hope for a quick return to normal operations once weather conditions improve. IndiGo on X
Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors where possible, avoid sheltering under trees or weak structures, limit unnecessary travel, and follow official advisories as the weather situation continues to evolve.