India
oi-Ashish Rana
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted significant relief from the ongoing heatwave conditions across Delhi-NCR and several parts of Northwest India over the next three days, as changing weather patterns are expected to bring thunderstorms, rain and strong winds to the region. The shift is being attributed to the influence of western disturbances and easterly winds, which are likely to alter weather conditions across northern states.
The IMD forecasts thunderstorms and strong winds, potentially reaching 100 kmph, from western disturbances, offering heatwave relief to Delhi-NCR and Northwest India over the next three days, alongside hailstorm warnings for Punjab, Haryana, and UP.
The weather department has issued an orange alert for Delhi and Noida, while Gurugram and Faridabad remain under a red alert for the next few hours due to the possibility of severe weather activity during the evening.
IMD warns of thunderstorms and hailstorms across Delhi-NCR
According to the IMD, moderate to severe thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and isolated hailstorms are very likely at several places across Delhi-NCR and nearby regions. Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious, particularly during evening hours when weather activity is expected to intensify.
The weather system is also expected to affect neighbouring states, bringing temporary respite from scorching temperatures that have gripped much of North India over the past several days.
Western disturbance likely to bring relief from heatwave
IMD scientist Akhil Srivastava told news agency ANI that thunderstorm activity is expected across the Western Himalayan region and adjoining plains under the impact of an incoming western disturbance and easterly winds.
He said the changing weather conditions are likely to provide major relief from the severe heatwave currently affecting states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
The development comes as several parts of North India have been recording unusually high temperatures, with residents struggling through intense daytime heat and warm nights.
Strong winds may reach up to 100 kmph in some areas
While forecasting relief from the heat, the IMD has also warned of potentially damaging winds across several regions. Wind speeds in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and nearby areas are likely to range between 60 and 70 kilometres per hour, with gusts touching 80 kilometres per hour in isolated locations.
Srivastava further said that certain parts of Uttar Pradesh could witness even stronger winds between 80 and 90 kilometres per hour, while speeds may occasionally touch 100 kilometres per hour.
The weather department cautioned that such high-speed winds could lead to disruption in normal life and urged people to avoid unnecessary outdoor movement during severe weather conditions.
Hailstorm warning issued for several northern states
Apart from thunderstorms and strong winds, the IMD has also issued hailstorm warnings for Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana and parts of Uttar Pradesh.
Officials have advised residents in vulnerable regions to stay updated with local weather advisories and take precautions against lightning, hailstorms and sudden gusty winds as the weather system moves across North India over the coming days.
