Delhi Rains: Flights Delayed, Roads Flooded, Trees Downed As Torrential Rains Wreak Havoc In National Capital

New Delhi: A sudden bout of intense rainfall and thunderstorms late Saturday night (May 24) plunged Delhi and adjoining regions into chaos, disrupting flight operations, flooding key roads, and toppling trees and hoardings across the city.

The downpour followed days of searing heat, offering relief from the scorching temperatures but leaving behind a trail of damage and disruption.

It’s been raining heavily for the past 4 hours and that too in the month of May. I’ve never seen such back to back rainfall in May before. On top of that, the entire month is almost over, yet there hasn’t been a single severe heatwave in may. #DelhiRains pic.twitter.com/ewEePWGpSG

— Hemant Batra (@hemantbatra0) May 24, 2025

Flights Disrupted, Airport Roads Submerged

Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport faced significant delays as severe weather gripped the capital. In an official advisory, Delhi Airport authorities cautioned travellers, stating, “Due to adverse weather conditions last night, some flights have been impacted. Passengers are advised to check their flight status regularly and stay in touch with airline staff for updates.” The airport also assured that ground teams were coordinating with stakeholders to restore normalcy and assist passengers.

Delhi Airport issued a passenger advisory at 06:50 am

"Due to adverse weather conditions last night, some flights have been impacted. Passengers are advised to check their flight status regularly and stay in touch with airline staff for updates." pic.twitter.com/o90N268q6x

— ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2025

Access routes to the airport, including roads around Terminal 1, witnessed knee-deep waterlogging, causing further commuter frustration. Other major points like Moti Bagh and Minto Road were similarly inundated, resulting in traffic snarls and stranded vehicles.

#WATCH | Delhi | A bus and a car are submerged in water in the Delhi Cantt area after heavy rains caused severe waterlogging in several parts of the National Capital pic.twitter.com/QTiB4OThIO

— ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2025

IMD Issues Red Alert Across City

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier sounded a red alert for Delhi and its surrounding areas, forecasting severe thunderstorms, gusty winds reaching up to 60 km/h, and frequent lightning. The storm system, which moved in from the northwest, made landfall with force, uprooting trees, damaging property, and disrupting electricity in several localities.

Never experienced this kind of weather in Delhi during summer before. #DelhiRains pic.twitter.com/eaMxhc9Nd6

— Mohit Chauhan (@mohitlaws) May 24, 2025

Heavy rains were also reported in parts of Haryana, including Chandigarh and Jhajjar. The IMD now predicts a slight dip in temperatures, with Sunday’s (May 24) maximum expected at 38°C, down from Saturday’s sweltering 44°C. The minimum temperature remains at 28°C.