The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for Delhi-NCR, forecasting rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds and isolated hailstorms across Delhi, Haryana and Chandigarh on October 29 and 30. The warning comes as Delhi’s air quality deteriorated to the poor category, with the city’s Air Quality Index reaching 229 on Wednesday.
The weather department has forecast a generally cloudy sky over Delhi on Thursday, with light to moderate rainfall expected at several places. The rain is likely to be accompanied by lightning and gusty winds. Wind speeds could reach 40-50 kmph during the morning and remain between 30 and 40 kmph during the rest of the day, according to the forecast cited by the Times of India.
The maximum and minimum temperatures in Delhi are expected to settle at 27 degrees Celsius and 17 degrees Celsius, respectively, on Thursday. The IMD has also warned that isolated hailstorms are possible over Delhi, Haryana and Chandigarh on Thursday and Friday.
The unsettled weather is expected to continue on Friday, with thunderstorms accompanied by rain forecast across the national capital region. Cloudy conditions are likely to persist as the weather system brings a spell of rainfall to Delhi and adjoining areas.
Residents have been advised to remain cautious during thunderstorms and strong winds. The forecast is relevant for people travelling through the region, as sudden rain, lightning, hail and high wind speeds can affect outdoor movement and daily activity. The supplied report does not provide details of any traffic restrictions, school advisories, flight disruptions or civic emergency measures linked to the warning.
The weather alert follows a deterioration in Delhi’s air quality. The AQI was recorded at 229 on Wednesday, placing it in the poor category, compared with 197 on Tuesday. The increase ended four consecutive days during which Delhi’s air quality had remained in the moderate category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board.
The IMD’s current forecast covers Thursday and Friday, with rain, thunderstorms and possible hailstorms identified as the main weather risks. The next operational update will depend on the department’s continuing assessment of conditions over Delhi-NCR, Haryana and Chandigarh.
