NEW DELHI: Residents of the national capital may witness a significant change in weather conditions tonight as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Delhi, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, rainfall and gusty winds across several parts of the city. The forecast comes after days of intense heat and humid conditions that have gripped the region.
According to the weather department, Delhi is likely to experience cloudy skies along with light to moderate rainfall during the evening and night hours. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong surface winds are also expected, prompting authorities to advise citizens to remain cautious while travelling or engaging in outdoor activities.
The IMD has indicated that wind speeds could increase substantially during storm activity, with gusts potentially reaching 60 to 70 kmph in some areas. Such conditions may lead to temporary disruptions, including reduced visibility, traffic congestion, and the possibility of tree branches or weak structures being damaged.
The yellow alert signifies the possibility of adverse weather conditions and serves as a warning for residents to stay updated on official forecasts. Weather experts have advised people to avoid taking shelter under trees during thunderstorms, secure loose outdoor objects, and remain indoors whenever possible during periods of intense lightning activity.
The expected weather change is being driven by a western disturbance and associated atmospheric conditions affecting northwestern India. These systems have already triggered dust storms, rainfall and thunderstorm activity in several parts of Delhi-NCR over the past week, offering intermittent relief from the prolonged spell of high temperatures.
Neighbouring areas including Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad are also likely to experience similar weather conditions. The IMD has forecast rain, thunderstorms and strong winds across the wider National Capital Region, with authorities closely monitoring developments.
Despite the anticipated rainfall, meteorologists caution that the relief from heat may be temporary. While temperatures are expected to dip during periods of rain and cloud cover, hot and humid conditions could return once the weather system weakens.
The weather department has urged residents to keep track of official advisories and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of severe weather. Air travellers and commuters have also been advised to check schedules for possible delays, as strong winds and thunderstorms can affect transport operations. Similar storm events in recent days have caused disruptions across the region.
As Delhi prepares for another spell of turbulent weather, authorities remain on alert, urging citizens to prioritise safety while the storm system moves across the region tonight.
