New Delhi: Residents of Delhi-NCR may finally get some respite from the relentless summer heat as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for the national capital and adjoining regions, forecasting thunderstorms, lightning, rainfall and strong winds through Thursday and Friday.

The weather department has warned that a cluster of rain-bearing clouds moving towards the region could trigger sudden downpours, thunderstorms and gusty winds across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad.

Wind speeds are expected to range between 50 and 60 kmph, with gusts touching up to 70 kmph in some areas.

The alert comes after several days of intense heatwave-like conditions, with temperatures frequently crossing 43 degrees Celsius.

High humidity levels have further worsened discomfort, pushing the "feels-like" temperature to nearly 48 degrees Celsius in parts of the city earlier this week.

Rain, thunderstorms likely across Delhi-NCR

According to the IMD, skies will remain partly cloudy throughout the day, with conditions becoming favourable for thunderstorms and rain as the hours progress.

While the first spell of showers is expected to be brief, meteorologists have forecast more widespread rainfall activity later in the day.

The approaching weather system could bring sudden bursts of rain, thunder and lightning in scattered pockets of the NCR.

Residents may also experience isolated dust storms before rainfall begins, a common feature of pre-monsoon weather in north India.

The weather office has advised people to remain cautious during periods of intense weather activity, particularly when strong winds and lightning are reported.

Outdoor activities may be affected as squally winds are expected to accompany thunderstorms.

Despite the likelihood of rainfall, Delhiites may not experience immediate relief from humid conditions.

Maximum temperatures are expected to remain between 40 and 42 degrees Celsius on Thursday, while minimum temperatures could hover between 27 and 29 degrees Celsius.

Western disturbance driving weather change

Meteorologists attribute the sudden shift in weather to an active western disturbance influencing northwest India.

The system is injecting moisture and instability into the atmosphere after a prolonged spell of dry and extremely hot conditions.

The IMD said the western disturbance is expected to remain active over the next 24 hours, helping trigger thunderstorm activity and scattered rainfall across Delhi-NCR.

A weather system moving out of Uttar Pradesh is also contributing to the changing conditions, bringing light to moderate rain and gusty winds towards north and east Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad. There is, however, some encouraging news for residents.

The weather department expects temperatures to fall by as much as six to seven degrees over the next two days, with maximum temperatures likely to settle around 34-35 degrees Celsius by Friday.

The latest spell of rain, thunderstorms and strong winds offers a glimpse of the approaching monsoon season and is expected to provide temporary relief from the scorching conditions that have gripped the national capital in recent weeks.