Rain, hail lashes Delhi-NCR: Thunderstorms deliver fresh spell, more coming

Parts of Delhi-NCR witnessed another spell of rain and thunderstorms on Tuesday, offering brief relief from persistent heat but also bringing gusty winds and the possibility of localised disruptions.

Weather activity is expected to intensify by the evening, with isolated thunderstorms developing across Delhi and neighbouring regions, including Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan, particularly along the foothills.

IMD has issued an orange alert for moderate to heavy rain in Delhi-NCR.

These systems are likely to produce light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and winds reaching speeds of 30-60 km/h.

A small but active weather patch has already formed over West Delhi and is expected to impact areas such as Dwarka, Central Delhi, the northwest parts of the city, and regions around Pitampura within the next hour. Meteorologists say that if the system maintains its strength, it could gradually move eastward, affecting more parts of the capital.

WHAT’S BEHIND THE RAIN ALERT?

The current conditions are driven by localised, heat-induced convection, where rising warm air triggers thunderstorm development.

While such systems can be intense, their coverage remains limited. Forecasts suggest that only about 20-40% of the region may receive rainfall, leaving many areas dry.

Where storms do occur, residents could experience short but intense bursts of rain, occasional lightning, and even pea-sized hail until around 6 pm. The sudden nature of these storms may lead to brief waterlogging, reduced visibility, and traffic slowdowns in affected pockets.

Authorities advise residents to remain cautious during peak storm hours, especially in open areas or while commuting. Loose objects outdoors should be secured, and people are encouraged to avoid sheltering under trees during lightning activity.

This pattern of scattered thunderstorms is typical during pre-monsoon conditions in north India, where rising temperatures and atmospheric instability create ideal conditions for brief but sharp weather events.

While the rainfall may not be widespread, it is expected to bring temporary respite from the heat in areas that receive showers, even as the broader region continues to await more consistent pre-monsoon activity.