Delhi on red alert as IMD warns of heavy rain, lightning and gusty winds

Heavy rain is expected to continue across Delhi, where the India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.

In an update issued at 6.45am on August 25, the IMD said heavy rainfall was likely over Delhi for the following two to three hours. Moderate rain, thunderstorms, lightning and winds of 30-40 kmph are expected at many locations, while a few places may receive heavy rain.

The warning covers Central, East, New Delhi, North, North East, North West, Shahdara, South, South East, South West and West Delhi. Residents travelling through low-lying stretches should allow extra time: heavy rain on the previous day left roads waterlogged and traffic moving slowly.

Delhi Airport said flight operations were normal in its passenger advisory, though it asked travellers to account for adverse weather near the airport. Earlier rain had diverted 15 flights, including three international services, as detailed in GTK's airport disruption update.

The IMD attributed the intense spell to dry northerly winds meeting moisture-laden easterly winds linked to a low-pressure area near West Bengal.