Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Delhi Rains Divert 15 Flights as IMD Issues Red Alert
Delhi had heavy rain and thunderstorms on Monday, August 24, 2026.
The bad weather made it difficult for airplanes to use the city’s main airport.
At least 15 flights were sent to airports in Jaipur, Chandigarh and Lucknow.
The weather department warned that more heavy rain, lightning and strong winds could occur.
It issued a red alert for several parts of Delhi.
Rainwater flooded some roads and caused traffic jams.
Students in Sangam Vihar were seen walking through knee-deep water.
Delhi had already received more rain in August than it usually gets during the whole month.
However, the month was still less rainy than August 2024 and August 2025.
The forecast said most of Delhi could become largely dry from Tuesday.
At least 15 flights bound for Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport were diverted amid heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Twelve flights went to Jaipur, two to Chandigarh and one to Lucknow; three diverted to Jaipur were international services.
The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for very heavy rain in parts of Delhi and a yellow alert elsewhere.
Waterlogging and traffic congestion disrupted road movement, with knee-deep water reported in Sangam Vihar.
Safdarjung recorded 246.2 mm of August rain by August 24, exceeding Delhi’s 226.8 mm monthly average.
- Who
- Delhi residents, commuters and air travelers were affected; the India Meteorological Department issued the warnings.
- What
- Heavy rain and thunderstorms disrupted flights, caused waterlogging and traffic congestion, and prompted weather alerts.
- When
- Monday, August 24, 2026; the IMD’s 11 a.m. nowcast was valid until 2 p.m.
- Where
- Delhi, including Indira Gandhi International Airport, Sangam Vihar and multiple districts across the capital.
- Why
- Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and winds of 30–40 kmph affected visibility, roads and flight operations.
- Flights diverted
- At least 15 flights bound for Delhi airport were diverted.
- Diversion destinations
- Twelve flights went to Jaipur, two to Chandigarh and one to Lucknow.
- Weather alerts
- A red alert covered parts of Delhi, while a yellow alert applied to other districts.
- Wind forecast
- Isolated areas could experience winds of 30–40 kmph, along with thunderstorms and lightning.
- August rainfall
- Safdarjung recorded 246.2 mm across 12 rainy days by August 24.
- August average
- Delhi’s August long-period average is 226.8 mm.
- Highest listed rainfall
- Janakpuri recorded 29 mm in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 a.m. Monday.
- Recent comparisons
- Delhi recorded 400.8 mm in August 2025 and 390.3 mm in August 2024.
