Hailstorm, high-speed winds hit Delhi, leave flights, metro services in disarray

WINDS UP TO 79 KM/H LASH DELHI, ROADS FLOODED, TREES UPROOTED

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A sudden hailstorm coupled with intense rain and winds gusting up to 79 km/h swept through Delhi and the National Capital Region late Wednesday, leading to widespread disruption in transport services, uprooting trees, and leaving several parts of the city waterlogged.

The downpour followed an extremely humid and sweltering day, where the "feels like" temperature reached 50.2°C, driven by high humidity and intense sunshine. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature reached 40.7°C, marginally above the seasonal norm, while the minimum was recorded at 30.2°C—the highest of the season so far.

Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport were hit hard as gusty winds and low visibility conditions led to multiple delays and diversions.

"Due to heavy rains and strong wind shear, at least 10 flights had to be diverted, mostly to Jaipur, and one to Mumbai," said an airport official familiar with the situation. In addition, over 50 flights were delayed between 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm.