Rain in Delhi-NCR likely: IMD issues orange alert, gusty winds on approach

Strong winds swept across parts of Delhi-NCR on Saturday evening, offering a temporary reprieve from the oppressive heat that had gripped the region for several days. The arrival of dark clouds marked a shift in the weather pattern, signaling the onset of a significant meteorological event. This change came as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for thunderstorms, indicating the potential for disruptive weather conditions.

The IMD’s warning, issued at 4:10 pm, highlighted the possibility of moderate thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds ranging from 41 to 61 kilometers per hour. These conditions were expected to affect multiple districts across Delhi and lasted until 7:10 pm. An orange alert represents the second-highest level of weather warnings from the IMD, signifying that hazardous weather could disrupt daily activities. Residents and local authorities were urged to prepare for possible challenges such as traffic disruptions, waterlogging, damage to vulnerable structures, and falling trees. During this period, individuals were advised to take necessary precautions and limit their outdoor activities to ensure safety.

The IMD forecasted isolated to scattered rainfall across Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Punjab from June 27 to July 2. Similar weather patterns were anticipated in West Uttar Pradesh from June 29 to July 3, while East Uttar Pradesh would see similar conditions from June 27 to 30. Additionally, both East and West Rajasthan were expected to experience rainfall activity between June 27 and July 3. The intensity of rainfall was projected to increase significantly in Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Punjab on July 3, with widespread rain likely. In East Uttar Pradesh, widespread rainfall was expected from July 1 to 3.

Accompanying the rainfall, the IMD predicted isolated thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour, reaching up to 60 kilometers per hour, across Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Punjab between July 1 and 3. Similar weather conditions were anticipated in West Uttar Pradesh from June 30 to July 3 and in East Uttar Pradesh and East Rajasthan from June 27 to July 3. West Rajasthan was expected to face gusty winds of 30 to 40 kilometers per hour, with speeds possibly reaching 50 kilometers per hour during the same timeframe.

Despite the impending weather changes, certain regions might still experience heatwave conditions. Isolated pockets in Bihar and Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi could continue to endure heatwaves on June 27 and 28. East Uttar Pradesh was expected to witness heatwave conditions from June 27 to 30, with severe heatwave conditions on June 27 and 28. Similarly, West Uttar Pradesh was likely to experience heatwave conditions from June 27 to 29, with severe conditions in isolated areas on June 27 and 28.

Delhi's current weather situation reflects a transition phase between the pre-monsoon heat and the approaching southwest monsoon. The city has experienced temperatures ranging from 41 to 43 degrees Celsius, creating ideal conditions for the formation of thunderstorms. The combination of intense heat and incoming monsoon moisture contributes to the development of towering cumulonimbus clouds, which serve as the primary drivers of sudden evening storms in Delhi. Additional factors include moist winds from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, alongside a western disturbance providing an extra upward push to the air. Together, these elements create the perfect environment for the formation of powerful storm systems.

The weather radar images captured by Doppler weather radars provide valuable insights into the dynamics of these storms. Reflectivity measurements, represented on a scale known as dBZ, indicate the intensity of rainfall within clouds. Lighter colors signify lighter rain, whereas yellows and oranges denote heavier rainfall and stronger updrafts. Observing these patterns helps forecasters predict the timing and trajectory of storms accurately. Gusty winds result from cool air descending from clouds and spreading along the ground as a gust front. Lightning occurs due to collisions between ice crystals and soft hail within clouds, leading to the separation of electrical charges until they discharge in flashes. This sequence of events exemplifies the typical characteristics of late-June storms in Delhi—brief yet impactful, providing a welcome contrast to the preceding heat.