Delhi-NCR witnessed cloudy skies, cooler temperatures and gusty winds on Friday morning as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and strong winds. Wind speeds of up to 80 kmph are expected in isolated areas, while residents have been advised to take precautions against adverse weather conditions.
✅ IMD issues red alert for Delhi-NCR due to severe weather conditions.
✅ Moderate to heavy rainfall likely across the region.
✅ Thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds forecast throughout the day.
✅ Wind speeds may reach 60-80 kmph in isolated areas.
✅ Similar weather activity expected in Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan.
✅ Sudden weather change brought relief from intense heat.
✅ Southwest monsoon expected to reach Delhi between June 25 and June 30.
New Delhi, June 12: Residents across Delhi-NCR woke up to pleasant weather conditions on Friday as cloudy skies, cool winds and lower temperatures replaced the intense heat that had gripped the region in recent days.
However, the relief comes with a warning as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, cautioning residents about severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, lightning and strong winds expected across the National Capital Region.
According to the IMD, Delhi and surrounding areas are likely to experience moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning throughout the day.
The weather department has forecast sustained wind speeds of 40-50 kmph, with gusts reaching 60 kmph in several locations.
In isolated areas, thundersqualls could generate wind speeds of 60-70 kmph with gusts up to 80 kmph, posing potential risks to life, property and infrastructure.
The adverse weather conditions are not limited to Delhi-NCR alone.
The IMD has predicted widespread thunderstorm activity across parts of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and adjoining northwestern regions, with the possibility of hailstorms at isolated locations.
The red alert follows a significant shift in weather patterns that began late Thursday night when strong winds, lightning and rainfall swept across several parts of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and nearby areas.
The overnight showers brought considerable relief from the heatwave-like conditions that had affected residents over the past few days.
Meteorologists have attributed the sudden weather change to the combined influence of a western disturbance, a cyclonic circulation over Haryana and an associated trough extending across northwestern India.
These atmospheric systems are expected to maintain favourable conditions for rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds over the region during the coming days.
The IMD has advised residents to remain vigilant and follow all safety precautions during the period of adverse weather.
People have been urged to stay indoors whenever possible, avoid sheltering under trees, maintain distance from weak structures and construction sites, and refrain from approaching water bodies during thunderstorms.
The weather agency emphasized that a red alert represents the highest level of weather warning, indicating a heightened possibility of severe weather conditions capable of causing damage to property and endangering lives.
Authorities have also been advised to remain prepared for possible disruptions caused by heavy rainfall, strong winds and lightning strikes.
The changing weather pattern is expected to provide welcome relief from the intense heat experienced earlier this week.
On Thursday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 38.7 degrees Celsius, while high humidity levels pushed the heat index, or “feels-like” temperature, close to 44 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, the IMD has indicated that the southwest monsoon is likely to reach Delhi and the National Capital Region between June 25 and June 30, before advancing further into northwestern states including Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The IMD’s red alert highlights the possibility of severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and damaging winds across Delhi-NCR and neighboring states. While the weather change has brought relief from oppressive heat and humidity, residents are advised to remain cautious, follow official advisories and take necessary safety measures until conditions improve.
FAQ Section
Q1. Why has IMD issued a red alert for Delhi-NCR?
The red alert has been issued due to the likelihood of severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, lightning and strong winds.
Q2. How strong can the winds become?
Wind speeds may range from 40-50 kmph, with gusts reaching 60 kmph, while isolated areas could experience gusts up to 80 kmph.
Q3. Which other states are likely to be affected?
Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and adjoining northwestern regions are also expected to witness thunderstorms and strong winds.
Q4. What precautions should residents take?
People should stay indoors, avoid trees and weak structures, stay away from water bodies and follow official weather advisories.
Q5. When is the monsoon expected to reach Delhi?
The southwest monsoon is expected to reach Delhi and NCR between June 25 and June 30.
