IMD Issues Orange Alert For Delhi-NCR After Hailstorm and Heavy Rain

Sudden hailstorms, sharp thunderstorms and strong winds are set to hit Delhi-NCR and nearby cities, with the IMD placing the region under an orange alert. Conditions have already turned severe over parts of north India since Sunday, 29 January, as dense clouds, rain and hail keep sweeping across several states under an active Western Disturbance.

Residents across Delhi-NCR should brace for more disruptions through the week as rain, hail and gusty winds continue. The IMD has warned that schools and offices may suspend activities, roads can become slippery, and short-term waterlogging or urban flooding may appear in low-lying neighbourhoods. Agencies like Delhi Traffic Police and MCD are likely to face heavy clearing work once each storm cell passes.

Orange alert for Delhi-NCR hailstorms and thunderstorms: IMD forecast

The orange alert issued for Delhi-NCR signals a phase of moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms in parts of the region. Hail and lightning may strike isolated locations, while surface wind speeds are predicted to reach 30-50 km/hr with occasional stronger gusts. The IMD has flagged the next 24-48 hours as particularly active, with a risk of intense spells at short notice.

Forecasts show that thunderstorms and lightning will often accompany rain over Delhi-NCR instead of light drizzle. Similar stormy conditions are expected over isolated pockets in Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan. Some of these areas can also see hailstorms, raising concerns for property, vehicles parked outdoors and exposed agriculture fields during peak activity.

Orange alert, Delhi-NCR hailstorms and thunderstorms: impact across north India

The same Western Disturbance driving the orange alert for Delhi-NCR hailstorms and thunderstorms is shaping weather over much of north India. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are likely to receive rain and thunderstorms, with snowfall possible at some higher, isolated locations. IMD projections also point to rain mixed with hail and snow across the wider western Himalayan belt.

Jammu-Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand may therefore witness rain turning into snowfall at many hill spots, along with hail in some valleys. At the same time, plains over Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh are expected to face strong thunderstorms and lightning. These states also remain under watch for scattered hailstorms, which could damage standing crops if left uncovered.

Orange alert, Delhi-NCR hailstorms and thunderstorms: temperatures and weekly outlook

With clouds thickening and rain sweeping in, maximum temperatures are projected to fall further across the region. Delhi has already logged one of the coldest January days in several years, and the chill is set to sharpen as day temperatures dip. Rainfall and thunderstorm activity are likely to cover much of this week across north India, not just Delhi-NCR.

Weather systems are expected to stay active both over Delhi-NCR and towards the northern hills for a few more days. IMD guidance suggests that conditions should start easing from Thursday, once the Western Disturbance moves away from north India. However, because on-and-off rain may continue, daytime temperatures are not expected to rebound sharply even after the main system weakens.

People living under the orange alert for Delhi-NCR hailstorms and thunderstorms are advised to stay cautious during intense spells. IMD suggests avoiding non-essential travel in heavy rain, taking shelter during hail, staying away from windows in storms and using extra care while walking or driving. Farmers and residents in affected states are also urged to secure crops and loose objects that could be damaged by hail or strong winds.