Delhi weather conditions are set to turn severe as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for moderate rain, thunderstorms, lightning and possible hail in Delhi-NCR. The district-level forecast was valid until 6:08 pm on Thursday, with the highest likelihood of hail and strong thunderstorms in parts of central, New Delhi, southwest, west and north Delhi.
The alert indicates a sharp change in weather conditions across the capital, where several areas may experience rain accompanied by thunder and lightning. The IMD forecast specifically identifies moderate thunderstorms with lightning and hail as highly likely in some districts, while other parts of Delhi are expected to receive moderate rain with thunder.
Central Delhi, New Delhi, southwest Delhi, west Delhi and north Delhi have been identified as the areas facing the greater possibility of hail and lightning during the forecast period. The warning covers Delhi-NCR, although the supplied district-level details focus on areas within the national capital.
An orange alert is issued when weather conditions have the potential to cause significant disruption and require authorities and residents to remain prepared. In this case, the forecast points to multiple simultaneous hazards: rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and hail. The combination can affect movement on roads, outdoor activity and local urban operations, particularly while the warning remains active.
The alert was issued through the IMD’s district-level forecast, which provides more localised information than a broad citywide weather outlook. This is important for Delhi because weather conditions can vary considerably between districts, with one area receiving intense rain or hail while another experiences mainly thunder and moderate showers.
The forecast was published at a time when the capital was already witnessing a renewed change in weather. The warning period was scheduled to remain in force until 6:08 pm, making the immediate forecast window the key period for monitoring conditions across the affected districts.
The IMD’s warning does not establish the extent of rainfall or hail that would ultimately occur in each location. It identifies the districts where the probability of severe weather elements was higher during the stated period. Further updates from the weather department would determine whether the alert is extended, modified or withdrawn after the forecast window ends.
