Delhi weather: IMD issues orange alert for severe thunderstorms, hailstorms

NEW DELHI: Delhi witnessed a sudden change in weather on Thursday as rain lashed several parts of city, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert warning of moderate to severe thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and isolated hailstorms. Light to moderate rainfall is expected across several parts of the city, while strong winds may blow at speeds of 50-60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph, the IMD said."Thunderstorm activity has already begun over northern parts of Rajasthan and is expected to spread to Delhi by evening and continue through the night," said Mahesh Palawat from Skymet.He further added that the intensity of the storms is likely to increase tomorrow and the spell is expected to continue till May 30. From May 30 to 31, the weather system is expected to shift towards Gujarat."The current spell of pre-monsoon rains is likely to be stronger than the pre-monsoon showers witnessed in Delhi earlier this month and in April, leading to widespread rainfall activity across the city," Palawat said.Officials said the weather activity is being influenced by a western disturbance over the hills, an induced cyclonic circulation over Rajasthan and nearby areas, along with humid winds from the Bay of Bengal, which have increased moisture levels over Delhi.The IMD has forecast the maximum temperature in the national capital to settle around 43 degrees Celsius.(With Agency Inputs)