Strong thunderstorm, rains cool Delhi, delay 15 flights at IGI air

New Delhi, Jun 20 (UNI) A strong thunderstorm and sudden burst of heavy rains caught Delhiites unawares this evening, bringing the mercury down and providing relief from the sultry weather since morning.

At around 1630 hours, strong winds, blowing at a speed of 30 to 40 km per hour, cooled down the city while also disrupting flights schedules at the IGI airport.

The thunderstorm, followed by a short spurt of heavy rains and heavy cloud cover over the Delhi skyline, led to diversion of 5 flights to alternate airports and delay of around 15 others.

''Between 1640 hrs and 1700hrs on June 20, IGI Airport experienced heavy downpour, cloud cover and strong winds. As a result, 5 flights chose to divert to alternate airports and around 15 were delayed,''a spokesperson of the Delhi International Airport (P) Limited said.

Weather conditions improved post 1700 hrs and normal flight operations have resumed since, the spokesperson said.

The strong winds also brought relief from the sultry weather conditions since this morning.

The maximum temperature was recorded at 35.2 Degrees Celsius.

Earlier this morning, Delhiites woke up to a Sunny day, after a predomenantly cloudy day and heavy rains yesterday. The Sunlight and high humidity led to sultry conditions.

The minimum was recorded at yesterday's level of 26.9 Degree C.

The Met office has forecast a partly cloudy sky in Delhi during the next 24 hours with thundry development or light rains in some areas.

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