Rain lashes parts of Delhi-NCR; IMD issues red alert for thunderstorms, IGI airport issues travel advisory

NEW DELHI: Delhi-NCR witnessed a sudden change in weather on Thursday as rain lashed several parts of city, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for the next few hours, warning of severe weather activity across the city.

The IMD said moderate to severe thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, duststorms and isolated hailstorms were likely at many places in Delhi, with wind speeds expected to touch 80 kilometres per hour.

According to the weather department, the ongoing spell of rain and thunderstorm activity is expected to continue till May 31.





The sudden change in weather came after several days of extreme heat, during which temperatures crossed the 45 degrees Celsius mark at multiple stations in the city. IMD data showed that maximum temperatures on Thursday dropped by around 3 to 5 degrees Celsius compared to the previous day.

The weather office also noted that Delhi recorded below-normal maximum temperatures across major weather stations on Thursday.

"Thunderstorm activity has already begun over northern parts of Rajasthan and is expected to spread to Delhi by evening and continue through the night," said Mahesh Palawat, Skymet Weather.

He said the intensity of the storms is likely to increase on Friday and the spell is expected to continue till May 30, after which the weather system is likely to shift towards Gujarat between May 30 and 31.

"The current spell of pre-monsoon rains is likely to be stronger than the pre-monsoon showers witnessed in Delhi earlier this month and in April, leading to widespread rainfall activity across the city," Palawat said.

He attributed the weather activity to a western disturbance over the hills, an induced cyclonic circulation over Rajasthan and adjoining areas, along with humid winds from the Bay of Bengal that have increased moisture levels over the city.

Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) issued an advisory stating,"Due to inclement weather conditions and expected thunderstorms in Delhi, some flights might be impacted at Delhi Airport... Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Passengers can consider alternative modes of transport, including the Delhi Metro, to get to the Airport to avoid potential delays."
(With Agency Inputs)