Delhi: Rain, hailstorm bring relief from heat

Hailstorms, gusty winds and rain hit Delhi-NCR on Thursday, bringing sudden relief from the prevailing heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an Orange alert warning of more intense weather activity over the next few hours.

Dark clouds enveloped the city as strong winds, at places reaching speeds of up to 70 kmph, swept across parts of the national capital, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and spells of rain.

According to the IMD, hailstorms and thunderstorms with light to moderate rainfall and lightning, along with gusty winds of 30 to 40 kmph, are very likely at isolated places, including Dilshad Garden, Seemapuri, Seelampur, Shahdara, Vivek Vihar, Preet Vihar, and adjoining areas of Noida.

Light to moderate rainfall, along with thunderstorms and lightning, is also expected at a few places, such as Civil Lines, Kashmiri Gate, Red Fort, Rajeev Chowk, ITO, India Gate, Akshardham, Nehru Stadium, Lajpat Nagar, Kalkaji, Tughlakabad and IGNOU during the next two hours, the IMD said.

An Orange alert, which indicates “be prepared”, has been issued as the weather department cautioned that gusty winds and lightning could disrupt traffic movement and outdoor activities.

Also Read: Noida protests: activists allege police interference, lapses

The sudden spell of rain and strong winds led to a noticeable drop in temperature across several parts of the city, offering much-needed respite from the day’s heat, even as authorities advised residents to stay indoors during intense weather activity.