Thunderstorm Alert for Delhi: IMD Predicts Two Days of Unsettled Weather

New Delhi : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Delhi on Friday, warning of moderate to heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds that may reach speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour. The two-day forecast has prompted authorities to stay on high alert, especially in areas prone to waterlogging and traffic disruptions.

The IMD’s alert is aimed at urging residents and local agencies to prepare for adverse weather conditions that may pose risks to outdoor movement, road safety, and infrastructure. Thunderstorm activity is expected to begin late Thursday night and continue through Friday, accompanied by short bursts of intense rainfall and lightning.

The capital’s skies have already begun to show signs of instability, with increasing cloud cover and humidity on Thursday evening. This shift in weather follows the region’s recent spell of heatwaves, offering some relief but also bringing the possibility of severe weather disturbances.

While Delhi is under an orange alert, no such warning has been issued for Gurgaon and Faridabad in Haryana. However, Ghaziabad and Noida in Uttar Pradesh may see light rain on Friday, though thunderstorms and high-speed winds are not expected in these areas according to the latest forecasts.

An orange alert is the second-highest level in IMD’s four-tier weather warning system, indicating potential disruption due to hazardous weather conditions. Citizens are advised to avoid non-essential travel during periods of intense rain and to stay away from open areas, particularly under trees or near weak structures, during lightning storms.

The Delhi Traffic Police and the municipal corporations have been asked to be on standby for emergency responses, especially in flood-prone zones and underpasses. Temporary deployment of pumps and rescue teams has also been planned to manage possible waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Meanwhile, the weather system causing the disturbance is part of a broader shift in pre-monsoon activity seen across northern India. The IMD expects similar patterns to continue in the coming week, with intermittent rain and wind across parts of the National Capital Region (NCR).