Orange alert as cloudy skies and gusty winds hit Delhi NCR with possible hailstorms

According to IMD forecasts, Delhi and its neighbouring areas — including Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad — are expected to experience scattered rain and thunderstorms throughout the day. The system has already brought periods of cloudy skies and intermittent showers, offering some relief from the recent summer heat while also heightening the risk of sudden squalls.

The weather department has warned residents to be prepared for stronger wind gusts and lightning activity, which could lead to brief disruptions in daily life, traffic and outdoor plans. The possibility of isolated hailstorms adds another dimension of risk, especially for those in open areas.

The IMD has also highlighted that such active weather conditions — including rain and strong winds — may cause fluctuations in temperatures, with cooler mornings and evenings expected compared to recent days. Public advisories recommend people carry umbrellas, avoid unnecessary travel during intense thunderstorms, and secure loose items outdoors to prevent wind‑related hazards.

Across the broader North Indian region, similar alerts have been issued for Uttar Pradesh and parts of Haryana, where meteorological models show increased instability, potentially leading to rain, thunderstorms and localized hail before conditions begin to moderate later in the week.

Weather experts attribute this unsettled spell to the influence of successive western disturbances — upper‑air systems originating from the Mediterranean that often bring unexpected weather changes to the Indo‑Gangetic plains during transitional seasons.

Overall, today’s alert underscores the need for vigilance as the season transitions, with residents urged to stay updated with local forecasts and heed advisories from the IMD.