Delhi-NCR on alert: Rain and thunderstorms to hit within hours

Delhi: Residents of Delhi, Gurugram and nearby NCR cities may finally get relief from humid conditions as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain, thunderstorms and strong winds across several regions on Monday.

From Delhi-NCR thunderstorms to heavy rain in the Northeast and dust storms in Rajasthan, multiple weather systems are set to impact large parts of India today.

After days of sticky humidity and rising temperatures, weather conditions are set to change across Delhi-NCR as rain-bearing clouds and strong winds move into the region. The India Meteorological Department has issued a short-term alert for light rainfall and thunderstorms, bringing welcome relief to residents struggling with uncomfortable weather conditions.

According to meteorologists, a western disturbance combined with local weather activity is expected to trigger rain and gusty winds across several parts of Delhi and neighbouring cities. Wind speeds could reach between 40 and 70 kmph in some areas, helping lower temperatures and improve overall conditions.

Delhi-NCR braces for rain

Areas likely to receive rain and thunderstorms include Najafgarh, Dwarka, Palam, IGI Airport, Jafarpur, Vasant Vihar, Vasant Kunj and Ayanagar. Similar weather conditions are expected in Gurugram, Manesar, Faridabad, Ballabhgarh, Bahadurgarh, Gohana and Sonipat during the next few hours.

The anticipated rainfall comes as residents await the further advance of the southwest monsoon, which has remained slower than usual across several parts of the country.

Rajasthan faces severe weather

While Delhi looks forward to relief, Rajasthan is expected to face much harsher conditions. The IMD has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for both eastern and western parts of the state.

Strong dust storms accompanied by winds of 60 to 70 kmph, with occasional gusts touching 80 kmph, could affect several districts. Authorities have advised people to stay indoors and avoid open areas during adverse weather conditions.

Heavy rain warning in Northeast India

The heaviest rainfall is forecast across northeastern states, where persistent monsoon activity continues. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya are expected to witness extremely heavy rainfall, raising concerns about flooding, waterlogging and landslides in vulnerable regions.

Rain alerts are also in place for Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, where residents have been advised to remain cautious as weather conditions deteriorate.

Rain, lightning and strong winds across eastern and central India

Several states in eastern India are expected to experience active weather throughout the day. Bihar and Jharkhand are likely to witness rain, thunderstorms, lightning and winds reaching 40 to 50 kmph.

Heavy rainfall warnings have also been issued for the sub-Himalayan regions of West Bengal. Odisha remains under a thunderstorm alert, with winds of up to 60 kmph expected in some areas.

Meanwhile, parts of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha could experience scattered rain accompanied by lightning and gusty winds.

Contrasting weather in Maharashtra

Maharashtra is expected to see contrasting weather patterns. Coastal regions including Konkan and Goa are likely to remain humid, while Vidarbha and Marathwada continue to face heatwave-like conditions.

At the same time, parts of central Maharashtra may receive light rainfall and strong winds, reflecting the varied weather systems currently affecting the state.

Monsoon expected to advance further

The IMD has indicated that monsoon conditions are becoming more favourable for further advancement. Over the coming days, the southwest monsoon is expected to extend into the remaining parts of Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand and Bihar.

As weather systems intensify across different regions, residents are advised to stay updated on local forecasts and follow official advisories, particularly in areas vulnerable to thunderstorms, flooding and strong winds.