After days of relentless heat and rising temperatures, Delhi-NCR witnessed a dramatic change in weather on Thursday as dark clouds gathered over the region, followed by strong winds, lightning and heavy rainfall. The sudden shift brought welcome relief to residents struggling with sweltering conditions, while also prompting weather authorities to issue their highest level of warning for parts of the national capital.
Stormy weather sweeps across the region
According to the Hindustan Times, the change in weather began during the afternoon as thick clouds covered the sky and gusty winds picked up across several parts of Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad. What started as a yellow alert from the India Meteorological Department was soon upgraded to a red warning as thunderstorm activity intensified.
Several areas experienced heavy rain accompanied by lightning and strong winds, leading to reduced visibility and slower traffic movement. Visuals from across the NCR showed trees swaying under powerful gusts while commuters rushed for shelter as the storm gathered strength.
The rainfall provided immediate respite from the oppressive heat that had gripped the region over the past week, bringing down temperatures and improving outdoor conditions.
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IMD forecasts more rain through the night
According to the weather department, the unsettled conditions are expected to continue through the evening and night. Light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, is likely in several parts of Delhi-NCR.
According to the Hindustan Times, strong winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour, with occasional higher gusts, may continue during thunderstorm activity. The IMD has advised residents to remain cautious during periods of intense weather, particularly in areas vulnerable to waterlogging, falling branches and reduced visibility.
Neighbouring cities including Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Gurugram remain under an orange alert, indicating the possibility of severe weather conditions.
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Monsoon arrival adds to changing weather pattern
According to the Hindustan Times, the rainfall comes on the same day that the southwest monsoon officially entered Kerala, marking the beginning of India's annual rainy season. Although the monsoon arrived a few days later than initially projected, meteorologists say its progress is now being closely monitored as it advances northward.
For Delhi, weather conditions are expected to remain relatively pleasant compared to recent days. Forecasts indicate generally cloudy skies with intermittent spells of rain and thunderstorms over the next twenty-four hours.
While daytime temperatures are still expected to remain around the forty-degree mark, the combination of cloud cover, rainfall and strong winds is likely to provide continued relief from the extreme heat that dominated the capital through much of late May and early June.
