Rain sweeps Delhi-NCR as IMD warns of thunderstorms and gusty winds

Rain and thunderstorms reached Delhi and neighbouring cities on Thursday, October 15, prompting weather warnings from the India Meteorological Department. Showers affected parts of the capital as well as Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram, according to reports.

The IMD initially issued an orange alert for Delhi. Reports differed on the warning's duration and level, with one account describing a subsequent red warning for parts of the capital during the afternoon.

Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad were reported to be under orange warnings. The forecasts indicated that rain would arrive in intermittent spells, with its strength varying across the region.

According to the weather office, some areas could receive between 5 and 15 millimetres of rain an hour. Thunderstorms could bring lightning and winds reaching 40–60 kilometres an hour.

Delhi recorded a minimum of 23.3 degrees Celsius, exceeding the normal temperature by 3.7 degrees. The day's maximum was forecast at about 29 degrees Celsius, below the levels seen earlier in the week.

Experts linked the change to a western disturbance and a cyclonic circulation nearby, describing it as a normal feature of post-monsoon weather. A western disturbance can bring rain to northern India even after the southwest monsoon has retreated, according to reports.

The IMD also forecast rain and thunderstorms for Friday, October 16. Further showers could reach Delhi and adjoining areas, including Faridabad, although their distribution was expected to remain uneven.

Conditions were forecast to become drier from Saturday, October 17, with partly cloudy skies and a maximum near 32 degrees Celsius. Mainly clear weather was expected on Sunday, while heavier showers could meanwhile disrupt traffic and outdoor activities through water accumulation on roads.