IMD Issues Red and Orange Alerts as Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms Forecast for Delhi-NCR

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued district-level nowcasts and regional alerts warning of thunderstorms, lightning, rain, and possible hail across Delhi-NCR. According to the IMD bulletin issued at 3:08 pm on Thursday, weather conditions are expected to remain unsettled due to interacting meteorological systems.

Weather Forecast and Alerts

• Moderate to Severe Conditions: Parts of Central Delhi, New Delhi, South West Delhi, West Delhi, and North Delhi faced expectations of moderate thunderstorms with lightning and hail.
• Rain and Thunderstorms: South East Delhi, East Delhi, Shahdara, North East Delhi, South Delhi, and North West Delhi were anticipated to experience thunderstorms with moderate rain and lightning.
• Winds: Light rain or thunderstorms with 30-40 kmph winds were flagged for parts of South East Delhi, East Delhi, and South Delhi.
• Temperature Impact: The weather department forecast a 2-4 degree Celsius drop in maximum temperatures over two days, followed by a subsequent 2-3 degree rise.

Meteorological Factors

The IMD reported that weather changes are driven by a western disturbance as a cyclonic circulation over north Pakistan and adjoining areas between 3.1 km and 4.5 km above mean sea level. Additional contributing factors include an associated trough, an induced upper-air cyclonic circulation over south Punjab, a merged western disturbance over Jammu, and a cyclonic circulation shifted to north Haryana.

Practical Guidance

• Avoid sheltering under trees during thunderstorms.
• Stay away from open areas during lightning.
• Secure loose objects to prevent displacement by gusty winds.
• Check official IMD bulletins for real-time verification.